Paul George suspended 25 games for violating NBA’s drug policy

Paul George (All Pro Reels, Wikimedia Commons)

The Philadelphia 76ers received a huge blow on Saturday as it was reported that star power forward Paul George of Palmdale, California would be suspended 25 games for violating the NBA’s anti-drug program according to nba.com. George is taking “responsibility” for his actions and is not expected to appeal the suspension.

The suspension means that George is losing $11.7 million of his contract. On July 6, 2024, George signed a four-year contract worth $212 million. George was to earn a whopping $51 million this season. Now he will only earn only $39.3 million. George is still the second highest paid player on the 76ers. Joel Embiid is the highest paid 76ers player as he makes $55.2 million per season.

This season, the nine-time All-Star is averaging 16 points per season, 5.1 rebounds per game, 3.7 assists per game, and 1.5 steals per game. He has a field goal percentage of .424, three point percentage of .382 and a free throw percentage of .855.

There was a little bit of concern in Philadelphia of George’s decrease in overall production. His 16 points per game are the lowest he has had in a single season when he averaged 8.8 points per game while with the Indiana Pacers in 2014-15. However, Embiid, and 76ers head coach Nick Nurse have both publicly stated that not having Nurse is a huge loss, and definitely will be missed.

Where George will be missed the most in Philadelphia is his consistent shooting from downtown. He has made 38.3% of his shots throughout his career from beyond the arc. George is also known for his defense. While with the Oklahoma City Thunder in 2018-19, he led the NBA with 170 steals.

Philadelphia currently has a three game winning streak. With a record of 27 wins and 21 losses, they are in sixth place in the Eastern Conference. Ironically, the 76ers play George’s former team, the Los Angeles Clippers, on Monday night.