TITLE: Paul George handed 25-game ban, leaving 76ers short-handed during playoff push
SLUG: paul-george-25-game-suspension-rocks-sixers
CONTENT:
Philadelphia — The NBA has suspended forward Paul George for 25 games without pay for violating the league’s Anti-Drug Program, sidelining the All-Star until late March and throwing the 76ers’ postseason hopes into doubt.
The league announced the penalty Saturday, noting it takes effect immediately. George will be eligible to return on March 25 against the Chicago Bulls, giving him time to appear in only the final 10 contests of the regular season.
In a statement released through ESPN’s Shams Charania, the 33-year-old said he ingested an “improper medication” while treating mental-health issues. “I accept full responsibility,” George said, adding that he will use the hiatus to prepare “mind and body” for a late-season comeback.
The timing compounds problems for Philadelphia, which sits 26-21 and clings to sixth place in the Eastern Conference standings. The club will be without one of its highest-paid players during the stretch run, shrinking an already thin margin for error.
Financially, the sanction generates a $5.87 million luxury-tax variance credit, according to ESPN’s Bobby Marks, dropping the 76ers to just $1.26 million over the tax threshold. That cushion could make a small salary-shedding move before the trade deadline more appealing.
George, who signed a maximum contract last summer, is averaging 16.0 points, 5.2 rebounds and 3.7 assists across 27 games—production viewed as modest for his salary slot. The suspension will cost him roughly $11.75 million, and after five games the team may place him on the suspended list to open a temporary roster spot.
Between previous injuries, load-management absences and now the league’s disciplinary action, Philadelphia’s high-profile gamble on George has yet to pay dividends.
Source: Hoops Wire
