CAMDEN, N.J. — Paul George refused to elaborate on the specifics of his unsuccessful drug screening that resulted in a 25-game suspension, but he asserts he is psychologically and physically prepared to aid the Philadelphia 76ers in their postseason quest during the season’s final ten matchups.
George is slated to compete for the Sixers this Wednesday evening, facing Chicago.
With Joel Embiid also sidelined for the preceding 13 games due to injury, the Sixers recorded a 13-12 performance in George’s absence, bringing their standing to 39-33 and placing them seventh in the Eastern Conference rankings ahead of Tuesday night’s matches.
George received his ban towards the end of January due to infringing upon the regulations of the NBA’s anti-doping policy.
He commenced his address on Tuesday at the 76ers’ facility located in New Jersey by extending an apology to the squad, its supporters, and his relatives regarding the lapse in judgment that resulted in his failed screening.
“Disappointing others caused more anguish than almost anything else,” George remarked.
He explained that his decision to ingest a prohibited substance stemmed from a psychological well-being concern that arose due to a knee injury sustained during the offseason, which curtailed his performance throughout the current campaign.
“The most challenging aspect is when your body is not performing at its required standard or its former capacity,” George stated. “This inevitably impacts one’s psychological state, with the awareness of one’s constraints. But for me, I sense well-being; my physique feels excellent. Psychologically, I am confident in my ability to perform as I have consistently demonstrated on the court for many years.”
George has posted an average of 16 points across 27 appearances this season for the Sixers. During the week preceding his suspension, he delivered one of his most impressive performances of the campaign, a 32-point explosion, driven by nine successful three-point shots, contributing to a victory against Milwaukee.
George, 35, inked a four-year agreement worth $212 million as a free agent prior to the commencement of the 2024 season. However, his inaugural season in Philadelphia was blighted by ailments to his knee and adductor muscle, which caused the forward to experience one of the most challenging years of his professional basketball tenure.
George registered an average of 16.2 points over merely 41 contests, undeniably his poorest point-per-game tally in a complete campaign since his second NBA season, when he recorded 12.1 points per game for Indiana.
Subsequently, in July, he underwent an operation on his left knee following an injury sustained during a training session, and consequently sat out the initial 12 matchups of the current season.
“The demands of being a professional athlete can be taxing,” George said. “My physical condition was not at its desired state. The pressure to perform, exacerbated by my body not being in optimal shape — naturally, I harbored personal expectations. This ultimately prompted an ill-advised choice at that moment.”
George stated the break afforded his body an opportunity to recover from persistent ailments, which, in consequence, have enhanced his mental well-being.
“This 25-game period proved to be precisely what I required, I believe, for my physique,” he said.
The ban deprived George — a nine-time All-Star — of approximately $11.7 million from his $51.7 million annual earnings, amounting to around $469,692 for every one of the 25 contests he sat out.
“As I’ve consistently stated during my career, concerning mental well-being, I am not an invulnerable hero,” George said. “I am mortal, and I committed an error at that juncture.”
Embiid, the 2023 MVP, has been absent for the previous 13 games due to a right oblique muscle strain, while All-Star guard Tyrese Maxey has been sidelined for nine consecutive matches because of a right finger tendon ailment.
No immediate schedule was provided regarding their comebacks.
George said he is prepared to address the scoring deficit and propel the Sixers beyond the play-in tournament threshold and firmly into the postseason.
“I’ve been experiencing excellent health, feeling dynamic once more, and regaining my strength,” he said. “I perceive myself as having returned to the caliber where I can perform, be the principal player, and the primary scorer.”