Paul George’s turbulent season with the Philadelphia 76ers has taken another turn, one that could see the veteran star end his campaign earlier than expected.
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, George is consulting doctors to determine the best course of action for his lingering knee and groin injuries.
The 34-year-old’s season mirrors the 76ers’ overall struggles—what began with high expectations has been derailed by inconsistency and injuries.
Initially viewed as a crucial piece in Philadelphia’s retooled roster for a playoff push, George has instead been hampered by persistent injuries that have limited both his availability and effectiveness.
He’s averaging just 16.2 points per game, his lowest in a non-injury-shortened season since 2011-12.
Missing 25 games due to knee, groin, and finger issues, George’s struggles have been a major factor in Philadelphia’s disappointing 22-43 record.
Combined with Joel Embiid’s ongoing health issues, the 76ers’ season has been anything but smooth.
Injuries have plagued the entire roster, with only Tyrese Maxey, Kelly Oubre Jr., and Guerschon Yabusele appearing in more than 45 games among the team’s top eight scorers.
As a result, the team has lacked consistency and struggled to find a rhythm, much like George himself.
Looking ahead, the future remains uncertain. While young players like Maxey, Jared McCain, and Quentin Grimes have shown promise, questions surround the long-term health of George and Embiid. Would shutting it down early allow George to return fully healthy next season?
More critically, what does the future hold for Embiid? Once the foundation of Philadelphia’s system, his repeated injuries raise concerns about whether he can regain his superstar form.
With the 76ers sitting 13th in the Eastern Conference—only ahead of the rebuilding Hornets and Wizards—resting George for the remainder of the season might be the most practical decision, allowing the team to limp to the finish line while avoiding further setbacks.
NBA: 76ers’ Paul George considering medical procedure — report
In a challenging first season with the Philadelphia 76ers, nine-time All-Star Paul George is reportedly considering a medical procedure to address groin and knee injuries, according to ESPN.
A decision on his treatment is expected by early next week. George has missed five of the last six games, with the 76ers struggling in the Eastern Conference.
Heading into Thursday’s action, Philadelphia holds a 22-43 record, sitting five games outside the play-in tournament and trailing the first-place Cleveland Cavaliers by 33 games.
The team will also be without Joel Embiid for the rest of the season due to a knee injury.
In the first year of his four-year, $212 million contract, the 34-year-old is averaging 16.2 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 4.3 assists over 41 games.
This marks the first time he has averaged below 21 points per game since returning from a compound leg fracture in the 2014-15 season.
George’s injury struggles began early, starting with a hyperextended left knee in the preseason, followed by another injury to the same knee in November.
He later suffered a finger injury in January before being slowed by his current groin issue.
Over 15 seasons with the Indiana Pacers (2010-2017), Oklahoma City Thunder (2017-2019), Los Angeles Clippers (2019-2024), and 76ers, George has played 908 games (860 starts), averaging 20.6 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 3.7 assists.
