Philadelphia 76ers forward Paul George has been suspended without pay for 25 games for violating the NBA/NBPA Anti‑Drug Program, the league announced Friday. The suspension takes effect with tonight’s game against the New Orleans Pelicans at Xfinity Mobile Arena and will sideline him through late March.
The 35‑year‑old was averaging 16.0 points, 5.1 rebounds and 3.7 assists this season for the 76ers before the suspension, his contributions coming in 27 games after missing time earlier in the year due to offseason knee surgery.
George, a nine‑time All‑Star, joins a list of players penalized under the league’s anti‑drug policy and will forfeit a significant portion of his salary during the suspension. The 76ers, currently positioned in a tight Eastern Conference playoff race, will have to adapt without one of their top scorers and veterans through a key stretch of the schedule.
In announcing the punishment, the NBA did not specify the substance involved in the violation. George’s absence will likely open expanded roles for Kelly Oubre Jr., Dominick Barlow and other members of Philadelphia’s rotation as the team navigates his absence.
