Philadelphia 76ers forward Paul George has been suspended without pay for 25 games
Philadelphia 76ers forward Paul George has been suspended 25 games without pay by the National Basketball Association (NBA) for violating the league’s anti-drug policy, the NBA announced Saturday, a major blow to the 76ers as they contend for a postseason berth.
The suspension, which begins with Philadelphia’s game Saturday against the New Orleans Pelicans, marks the first violation of the NBA/NBPA Anti-Drug Program by George and will keep him out of action until March 25, when the 76ers host the Chicago Bulls.
George, 35, a nine-time NBA All-Star and one of the league’s most prominent players, released a statement acknowledging the violation and apologizing to his team and fans. He said the issue stemmed from taking an improper medication while seeking treatment for a personal mental health matter.
“I take full responsibility for my actions and apologize to the Sixers organization, my teammates, and the Philly fans for my poor decision-making during this process,” George said, while noting he plans to use the suspension period to ensure his “mind and body” are ready for his return to the court.
George’s absence comes at a crucial juncture in the 76ers’ season. Philadelphia, currently sixth in the Eastern Conference with a 26-21 record, has relied on George’s scoring and veteran leadership, particularly as the franchise pursues a deeper playoff run.
This season George is averaging approximately 16.0 points, 5.1 rebounds and 3.7 assists per game across 27 appearances, contributing as a key part of a “Big Three” alongside Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey.
Under the terms of the suspension, George will miss 25 games without pay, costing him roughly $11.7 million of his $51.7 million salary for 2025-26. Some of the forfeited salary will provide a luxury tax credit that helps moderate the 76ers’ position relative to the tax threshold.
When healthy and available this season, George’s presence has been a factor in the 76ers maintaining a competitive position; Philadelphia is 16-11 in games he’s played versus 10-10 without him.
In his statement to ESPN’s Shams Charania, George noted his ongoing advocacy for mental health awareness and described his situation as a “mistake” tied to medication used in addressing a mental health issue.
“I am focused on using this time to make sure that my mind and body are in the best condition to help the team when I return,” he said.
Under NBA and National Basketball Players Association rules, a 25-game ban for a drug-policy violation typically indicates a first offense. The league did not publicly disclose the specific substance involved or further details of testing.
The suspension also arrives just days before the NBA trade deadline, adding another layer of urgency for the 76ers’ front office and coaching staff as they prepare for life without a key starter and look to maintain momentum in a tightly contested Eastern Conference.
In George’s absence, Philadelphia is expected to lean more heavily on its remaining rotation, with players such as Kelly Oubre Jr. and Dominick Barlow likely to see expanded roles, while Embiid and Maxey continue to anchor the lineup.
George is scheduled to be eligible to return to action on March 25, with the 76ers having just 10 regular-season games remaining at that point. The team will hope to stay competitive in the playoff picture even without one of its top stars.
