Paul George’s successful arthroscopic surgery on his left knee has certainly stirred the pot for the Philadelphia 76ers. Announced Monday by the team, they plan to take another look at the 15-year veteran before training camp kicks off.
For the Sixers, who dream of contending for a title, having George and Joel Embiid both navigating the injury recovery road is not the preseason scenario they might’ve hoped for. George, the team’s starting small forward, picked up the injury during an offseason workout, and his journey back to the hardwood is now being monitored closely. With Embiid only just cleared for partial basketball activities, the Sixers are faced with a significant challenge as they gear up for what will undoubtedly be a pivotal season.
The ramifications of George potentially missing time could ripple through the team’s lineup. Philadelphia will likely lean heavily on restricted free agent Quentin Grimes. Though Grimes primarily excels as a shooting guard, he’s versatile enough to soak up minutes at small forward, offering the team some much-needed flexibility. Kelly Oubre Jr., who spent a hefty part of last season in the starting lineup, might continue to be a cornerstone as the team juggles its roster. And let’s not overlook free-agent addition Trendon Watford, the only natural power forward on a standard contract, whose integration into the team will be crucial.
If Grimes indeed slides into the small forward spot in George’s absence, this shift could call upon second-year guard Jared McCain to step up, potentially landing him in a starting role. McCain’s return to form is yet another piece of the puzzle, as he himself is recovering from a knee injury. Additionally, rookie guard VJ Edgecombe might find his way into more floor time, making every practice and preseason minute crucial for his development.
Regardless of how George’s recovery timeline unfolds, the Sixers face a daunting task. George has often wrestled with injuries since joining Philadelphia, and when fit, he hasn’t quite recaptured the All-Star brilliance of his prime. Now, staring at the start of his second season with the team, all eyes will be on how the Sixers navigate these early challenges.
On the bright side, Sixers fans can hold some comfort in Daryl Morey’s recent update on Joel Embiid. The general manager assured that Embiid is on “on track” with his recovery, and Philadelphia expects their star center to be ready to dominate come the start of the season. Balancing this injury uncertainty will be key for the Sixers, who are determined to find their rhythm and paint a hopeful picture for the months ahead.
