The Philadelphia 76ers are facing another hurdle as they prepare for the upcoming season, and this one involves veteran forward Paul George. The hope was that George would step onto the court with his teammates at the start of training camp, but as the news unfolds, his availability now appears uncertain.
Recent reports surfaced indicating that George has encountered yet another setback related to his knee. Following a workout last week, he ended up consulting a doctor on Friday, which led to the decision for him to undergo arthroscopic surgery. This procedure raises questions about his readiness and overall condition as we edge closer to training camp this fall.
ESPN’s NBA Insider Shams Charania shed light on this situation, noting the implications of George’s latest injury. He pointed out that the doctors suspect this issue could be one that lingers, echoing concerns that have plagued George over the past year. In the previous season, George dealt with multiple injuries, including significant problems with his groin and knee, which ultimately limited his contributions on the court. Although he began the 2024-2025 season with the expectation of making an impact after playing 74 games for the Clippers, he found himself appearing in only 41 games for the 76ers. Not to mention, he struggled to make an impact, averaging 16 points on 43 percent shooting before missing the All-Star Game for the first time since the 2021-2022 season.
The uncertainty surrounding George brings into focus two critical questions that have loomed since his signing: Can he stay healthy enough to contribute? And at 34, can he still perform at an All-Star level while sharing the floor with fellow stars Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey?
For the 76ers, hope springs eternal. The franchise remains optimistic that key players like George and Embiid can navigate the challenges of the upcoming regular season without further setbacks, ultimately aiming for a deep playoff run. However, George’s current situation feels less than encouraging for a franchise that desperately needs to maximize the potential of its star-studded roster. As we await more information, the upcoming training camp promises to be critical—not just for George, but for the trajectory of the Sixers this season.
