The NBA has suspended Philadelphia 76ers forward Paul George for 25 games for violating the league's anti-drug policy, effective immediately. George attributed the infraction to taking improper medication while addressing a mental health issue and expressed full responsibility in a statement. The suspension will sideline the nine-time All-Star until late March, testing the 76ers' playoff push.
The NBA announced on Saturday, January 31, 2026, that Philadelphia 76ers forward Paul George has been suspended for 25 games without pay for breaching the league's anti-drug program. This marks his first such violation under the NBA-NBPA collective bargaining agreement. The suspension begins with the 76ers' home game against the New Orleans Pelicans that evening and ends after 25 contests, making George eligible to return on March 25 against the Chicago Bulls, when only 10 regular-season games remain.
In a statement provided to ESPN, George explained the circumstances: "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." He added, "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."
At 35 years old, George is in his second season with Philadelphia after signing a four-year, $212 million contract in free agency during the 2024 offseason. He has appeared in 27 of the 76ers' 47 games this season, averaging 16 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 3.7 assists. The team holds a 26-21 record, placing sixth in the Eastern Conference, with a 16-11 mark when George plays compared to 10-10 without him. His recent form included a 32-point performance, including nine three-pointers, in a win over the Milwaukee Bucks on Tuesday.
The penalty will cost George approximately $11.7 million in salary, providing the 76ers with a $5.87 million luxury tax credit and leaving them just $1.3 million over the tax line. This financial relief could influence decisions ahead of the February 5 trade deadline. Head coach Nick Nurse expressed disappointment but emphasized resilience: "We're obviously disappointed... We care about Paul, and we obviously want him to be OK. We have to figure out how we are going to get through this."
George's absence highlights vulnerabilities in Philadelphia's wing depth and defense, where his versatility has been crucial. The 76ers, featuring stars Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey alongside rookie V.J. Edgecombe, must now rely more heavily on their core while navigating a challenging schedule, including a five-game West Coast road trip.
