The NBA suspended Philadelphia 76ers forward Paul George for 25 games on Saturday for breaching the league's anti-drug policy, just a week before the trade deadline. George, who took responsibility in a statement citing mental health treatment, will miss games starting against New Orleans and return on March 25. The suspension disrupts the team's momentum as they sit sixth in the Eastern Conference.
Philadelphia's plans suffered a setback on January 31, 2026, when the NBA announced a 25-game suspension for Paul George due to a violation of its anti-drug policy. The punishment begins with the 76ers' home game against the New Orleans Pelicans that evening, leaving George sidelined until March 25, when he can return for a matchup against the Chicago Bulls. At that point, only 10 regular-season games will remain.
In a statement, George addressed the issue candidly: “Over the past few years, I’ve discussed the importance of mental health, and in the course of recently seeking treatment for an issue of my own, I made the mistake of taking an improper medication. 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. 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.”
The nine-time All-Star, in the second year of a four-year, $212 million contract, will forfeit $11.7 million in salary. This reduces the 76ers' luxury tax bill by about $5 million, potentially aiding maneuvers at the February 5 trade deadline, though it highlights their depth issues on the wing.
Coach Nick Nurse expressed disappointment but optimism: “Obviously I’m disappointed, for sure. But those guys that have been playing this year, there’s a bunch of them, and we’ve got to figure out who’s going to replace some of the things he does positionally and defensively and shots and all that kind of stuff. But I think there’s a number of guys there to do it.”
George has averaged 16.0 points per game this season at 38.2% from three, improving from last year's injury-plagued 16.2 points over 41 games. His recent 32-point outburst with nine threes against Milwaukee underscored his value. The 76ers, sixth in the East and eyeing a direct playoff spot, will lean on players like Kelly Oubre, Jared McCain, Quentin Grimes, Justin Edwards, Trendon Watford and Jabari Walker to fill the gap during a demanding schedule, including a six-game road trip spanning the deadline.
