CAMDEN, NJ - SEPTEMBER 09: Interior of 76ers logo painted on wooden floor at Sixers Training Complex in Camden, New Jersey during the Julius Erving Youth Basketball Clinic on September 9, 2017 (Photo by Lisa Lake/Getty Images for PGD Global)
Paul George’s season is officially over. The Philadelphia 76ers announced that the star forward will be sidelined for at least six weeks due to injuries to his left adductor muscle and left knee, effectively shutting him down for the remainder of the year. George reportedly received injections for both injuries, but with the 76ers sitting five games back of the last play-in game, there’s no reason to rush him back.
This wraps up a frustrating first season in Philly for George. After signing a four-year, $212 million contract in July 2024, expectations were high, but injuries derailed his and the teams season. He played in only 41 games, averaging 16.2 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 4.3 assists per game—his lowest scoring output since the 2014-15 season.
The 34-year-old veteran battled injuries all year, including a hyperextended knee, a finger injury, and lingering groin issues that never fully went away. His absence, combined with Joel Embiid’s extended time off due to his own knee injury, has been a major reason why Philadelphia has plummeted in the standings.
With the season seemingly over, the 76ers face a crucial offseason. Do they regroup, hope to avoid the injury bug, and run it back next year? Or do they take a hard look at the roster and consider moving George and Embiid to start a short rebuild? With both players on massive contracts and their health in question, Philly’s front office has some tough decisions ahead.
