Paul George Says He Can Still Play at a High Level
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Philadelphia 76ers forward Paul George acknowledged Monday that he may miss the Oct. 29 opener while he finishes rehab on his surgically repaired left knee, but insisted he will regain his All-Star form once fully cleared.
“When I’m healthy, I’m the Paul George the Sixers signed,” the 35-year-old told The Philadelphia Inquirer during the club’s first week of training camp. “I still have a lot of game in me.”
George underwent knee surgery in mid-July and has not yet been approved for contact work. Since camp began, he has been limited to individual drills at the team’s Camden, N.J., facility.
The veteran expects to participate in at least part of camp and to serve as a mentor while he recovers. “I have a voice on this team to help the young guys,” he said.
George appeared in just 41 games last season, the first of a four-year, $211.5 million free-agent contract. A hyperextended left knee in the preseason re-flared in November, and he later dealt with left groin soreness, a right ankle issue and a torn tendon in his left pinky finger. He missed 26 of Philadelphia’s first 67 contests and was shut down on Mar. 17 after receiving injections in his groin and left knee.
Although he expected to be ready for camp, George re-injured the same knee during an offseason workout. “The team wants me as close to 100 percent as possible,” he said. “That’s what they signed me for.”
George added that he is willing to shift to power forward, a spot that opened after Guerschon Yabusele departed in free agency. The Sixers currently have Kelly Oubre Jr., restricted free agent Quentin Grimes and rookie VJ Edgecombe on the wing.
Calling 2024-25 “rock bottom,” George said his priority is to rebound and give fans reason to forget last year’s disappointment. “It can’t get worse than last year,” he noted.
Source: Hoops Rumors
