Paul George will enter the postseason healthy. The Sixers forward feels a ‘weight lifted off’ his shoulders.
George’s Suspension and Return
News of Paul George’s suspension for taking “improper medication” was initially met with derision by 76ers fans. This was especially so after injuries sidelined him for much of 2024-25 and led to one of the worst seasons of his career.
It’s not often that a 25-game suspension actually heightens a player’s popularity with fans.
When he returned to the lineup against the Chicago Bulls on March 25, George missed eight of his first 10 shots. He entered the locker room at halftime with just five points. But he went on a tear in the second half, earning massive cheers from the crowd after hitting three consecutive shots.
Kelly Oubre Jr. said George does a really good job of remaining poised even when things aren’t going his way. Oubre Jr. added that George is finally starting to just spread his wings a little bit in Philly and fly.
It’s clear from watching George that he’s enjoying the game more this season. He’s more expressive, hyping up the crowd after big shots or big stops.
Feeling Healthy and Capable
George said after an April 3 win over Minnesota that he is out there because he wants to do something special and do something big. He added that the only way he’s going to be able to do that is if he feels good on the court and capable. According to George, those emotions were suppressed because of trying to just play through stuff, and feeling like a shell, almost, because he was limited.
George said that now that that hasn’t been a problem, those emotions are starting to show.
George has looked more explosive since returning from his suspension. He’s found more separation off the dribble and put up his highest-scoring games of his Sixers career so far.
Overcoming Injury Issues
Before this season, George struggled with left knee injuries for some time, which played a part in his lack of burst last year. It also led to his season ending last March after he received injections in his left groin and knee. He later had arthroscopic surgery in the offseason after reinjuring it in a workout.
George said that the time off has really unlocked him and allowed him to play free and to be able to play aggressively. He added that he doesn’t want it to get confused, he was healthy, but he needed time for his body to heal and for his body to recover. George felt he was healthy and playing, but the games were coming too fast, and his body wasn’t responding quickly enough.
He wanted to keep playing, but he knew that his body needed time.
The time off allowed George avoid the “pounding and wear and tear” of the NBA schedule. This helped him prioritize rehab and recovery over time.
George felt good enough after returning from suspension that he played both of the Sixers’ remaining back-to-backs after being held out of them to start the season.
One drawback for George was that his suspension meant he couldn’t be around the team for games. But the forward was allowed to do pretty much.