CAMDEN, N.J. — Philadelphia 76ers star Paul George is prepared to make his comeback Wednesday evening against the Chicago Bulls following a 25-game ban for breaking the NBA’s anti-drug policy, though he chose not to reveal details about the failed test that sidelined him.
Speaking at the team’s New Jersey training facility Tuesday, George expressed remorse to the organization, supporters, and his loved ones for the lapse in judgment that resulted in his positive drug test.
“To let people down hurt more than kind of anything,” George said.
The veteran forward explained that his decision to use a prohibited substance stemmed from mental health challenges triggered by an offseason knee injury that hampered his performance this year.
“The most difficult thing is when your body isn’t where you know it needs to be or where it once was,” George said. “That leads and bleeds into the mental side of things, knowing that you’re limited. But for me, I feel good, my body is feeling great. Mentally, I know I’m capable of doing what I can do and what I’ve been able to on the court for years.”
The suspension, which began in late January, cost the 35-year-old athlete approximately $11.7 million of his $51.7 million annual salary — roughly $469,692 per missed game.
During George’s absence, Philadelphia managed a 13-12 record and currently sits in seventh place in the Eastern Conference with a 39-33 record entering Tuesday’s games. The team has also been without injured center Joel Embiid for the past 13 contests.
George, who inked a four-year, $212 million deal before the 2024 season, has struggled through an injury-plagued first campaign in Philadelphia. He’s averaging just 16 points across 27 games this season, well below his career standards.
The nine-time All-Star’s difficulties began with knee surgery in July after a workout injury, causing him to miss the season’s opening 12 games. His 16.2 points per game average last season in just 41 appearances marked his lowest scoring output in a full season since averaging 12.1 points during his second NBA year with Indiana.
“Being a pro athlete takes a toll on you,” George said. “My body wasn’t where I wanted it to be. The expectations to perform because of my body not being where it needed to be, obviously, I’m going to have an expectation for myself. That’s what led to a poor decision at the time.”
The extended break allowed George’s nagging injuries to heal, which he believes has also boosted his mental state.
“These 25 games were just what I needed, I think for my body,” he said.
George acknowledged his ongoing mental health journey, emphasizing his humanity despite his professional status.
“I’ve said it throughout my career, dealing with mental health, I’m no superhero,” George said. “I’m human and I made a mistake in that moment.”
With 2023 MVP Embiid sidelined by a right oblique strain and All-Star guard Tyrese Maxey missing nine consecutive games due to a right finger tendon injury, George’s return comes at a crucial time for Philadelphia’s playoff aspirations.
No immediate timeline has been established for either Embiid’s or Maxey’s return to action.
George expressed confidence in his ability to help carry the scoring load and guide the 76ers out of play-in tournament territory into a secure playoff position over the final 10 games.
“I’ve been feeling great, feeling explosive again, feeling strong again,” he said. “I feel like I’m back on that level of being able to perform and be the focal guy and be the scorer.”
