Paul George set to return after 25-game drug suspension
paul-george-returns-after-25-game-drug-suspension
CAMDEN, N.J. — Philadelphia 76ers forward Paul George will rejoin the lineup Wednesday against the Chicago Bulls after completing a 25-game suspension for violating the NBA’s anti-drug policy.
The nine-time All-Star apologized Tuesday at the team’s practice facility, saying his decision to use a banned substance was tied to mental health challenges that arose while he recovered from an offseason knee injury. “To let people down hurt more than anything,” George, 35, told reporters.
George, who signed a four-year, $212 million free-agent deal in 2024, averaged 16.0 points in 27 games before the suspension began in late January. Philadelphia went 13-12 without him and entered Tuesday at 39-33, seventh in the Eastern Conference.
The suspension cost George roughly $11.7 million of his $51.7 million salary. He said the time away allowed his body to heal and restored his confidence. “These 25 games were just what I needed,” he said. “I feel explosive again, strong again.”
The Sixers have also been without 2023 MVP Joel Embiid for 13 games because of a right oblique strain and All-Star guard Tyrese Maxey for nine games with a right finger tendon strain. No return dates have been announced for either player.
George believes he can help steady the team’s playoff push over the final 10 regular-season contests. “I feel like I’m back on that level of being able to perform and be the focal guy,” he said.
Source: ESPN
