The Philadelphia 76ers took of venture after they signed Paul George to a four-year, $211 million contract within the offseason. With a prolonged harm historical past and a deal that extends into his late 30s, considerations about sturdiness and long-term worth had been evident from the beginning.
With George sidelined for the rest of the season resulting from knee and adductor accidents, these considerations have grow to be a actuality, leaving Philadelphia in a tough place each on the court docket and financially.
George’s harm struggles had been well-documented earlier than he arrived in Philadelphia. Over the previous six seasons, he has performed greater than 56 video games simply as soon as. His time with the Clippers was outlined by elite performances when wholesome and frequent absences resulting from numerous accidents.
This season has adopted the identical sample. George managed simply 41 video games earlier than being compelled to the sidelines, a crushing blow for a Sixers staff struggling to remain afloat after shedding Joel Embiid. The absence of each stars has uncovered Philadelphia’s lack of depth, turning a once-promising season right into a disappointing one.
Philadelphia’s choice at hand George a max contract was a short-term play meant to maximise their championship window with Embiid and Tyrese Maxey. The deal, price $49 million this season, features a participant choice in 2027-28 when his wage jumps to $56 million, locking the Sixers into a big monetary dedication for a participant with an unreliable well being document.
Even earlier than his newest accidents, George averaged 16.2 factors, 5.3 rebounds and 4.3 assists — his lowest numbers since 2014-15. If this decline continues, his contract may rapidly grow to be a hindrance.
The Sixers entered the season hoping George can be the lacking piece, however as an alternative, their marketing campaign has unraveled. Now sitting at 23-45 and twelfth within the Japanese Convention, their playoff hopes have vanished. The main focus has already shifted to the 2025 NBA Draft, the place they hope to land a excessive decide and choose a participant able to making a right away affect, much like what Jared McCain supplied earlier within the season.
Philadelphia’s monetary flexibility is minimal, with almost $400 million assured wage tied to 2 injury-prone stars. Their championship window could shut except they will construct a deep, sturdy supporting forged. The Sixers knew the gamble they had been taking with George. Simply months into his contract, that gamble has dramatically backfired.
