During this past offseason, the 76ers signed SF Paul George in free agency. They gave the 34-year-old a four-year, $212 million deal. That gave the Sixers a new trio that includes Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey. However, just one of those three players was available for the team in the season opener.
Joel Embiid and Paul George are both dealing with knee injuries early in the season. On October 14, George hyperextended his knee in a preseason game vs. the Hawks. He’s been out since and will miss at least the first three games of the season for the 76ers. ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that George is “progressing well” and will be reevaluated early next week. He’ll miss the team’s small two-game road trip this weekend.
Paul George could make his return for the Sixers next Wednesday vs. the Pistons
76ers: Paul George continues progressing well in his recovery from a left knee bone bruise and will not play during the team’s two-game road trip. Team will provide update on his availability early next week. pic.twitter.com/Tgq5q93sG3
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) October 24, 2024
Before his 2023-24 campaign with the Clippers, Paul Geroge had missed extended time each season due to injury. In four straight seasons, he failed to play in at least 60 games for LA. That was until his final season with the team in 2023-24 when he played and started 74 games for the Clippers. George averaged 22.6 points, 5.2 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 1.5 steals per game. He was named an all-star for the ninth time in his career last season.
When he’s healthy, Paul Geroge is going to be a difference-maker for the 76ers. His two-way ability is what has made him a household name over the years. For several seasons, Tobias Harris was the starting SF for the Sixers. Paul George is an upgrade compared to Harris even at this stage in his career. George is a player who’s consistently averaged 20+ points per game in nearly every season. The 76ers hope to see that type of production out of George when he makes his debut for the team. KJ Martin, Eric Gordon, and Andre Drummond were in the starting lineup to begin the season. Expect to see Paul George and Joe Embiid replace two of those three when the team is at full strength.
