League Announces Lengthy Ban Without Pay During Regular Season
PHILADELPHIA — Philadelphia 76ers forward Paul George has been suspended for 25 games without pay after violating the NBA’s Anti-Drug Program, the league announced Friday. The suspension takes effect immediately and will sideline one of the team’s highest-profile players for a significant portion of the regular season.
The NBA did not publicly identify the specific substance involved, citing confidentiality provisions within the league’s drug policy. The suspension is classified under the NBA’s anti-drug rules rather than its performance-enhancing drug program.
George will be eligible to return to game action on March 25, leaving him limited time to rejoin the lineup before the conclusion of the regular season.
Player Acknowledges Violation, Cites Improper Medication
In a statement released following the league’s announcement, George acknowledged responsibility for the violation. He said the positive test resulted from taking what he described as improper medication while addressing a personal health matter.
George apologized to the 76ers organization, his teammates, and fans, stating that the violation was unintentional but ultimately his responsibility. He added that he plans to use the suspension period to focus on his physical conditioning and overall well-being before returning to competition.
Under NBA rules, players suspended for anti-drug violations forfeit salary for each game missed. The suspension is expected to cost George approximately $11 million in lost wages, representing one of the most significant financial penalties of his career.
Impact on Philadelphia’s Season
The suspension is a major setback for Philadelphia as the team navigates a tightly contested Eastern Conference playoff race. The 76ers entered the weekend positioned in the middle of the conference standings, with little margin for error as the season progresses toward the postseason.
George, a nine-time NBA All-Star, has been an important part of the team’s rotation this season, providing veteran leadership, perimeter scoring, and defensive versatility. In limited appearances, he has averaged 16.0 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game.
Philadelphia will now be forced to redistribute minutes and offensive responsibilities among its remaining core, including Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey, while also leaning more heavily on role players and bench depth.
The absence comes at a critical juncture, with the schedule featuring a series of conference matchups that could influence playoff seeding. The team is also approaching the latter portion of the season with roster flexibility under scrutiny following offseason changes and injuries.
Financial and Roster Implications
In addition to the salary loss incurred by George, the suspension carries broader financial implications for the organization. Under league rules, forfeited salary can provide limited luxury tax relief, potentially easing financial pressure for teams operating near or above tax thresholds.
From a basketball operations standpoint, the suspension complicates lineup continuity. George joined the 76ers on a four-year, $212 million contract signed during the 2024 offseason, a move that was expected to strengthen the team’s championship aspirations.
However, his first season in Philadelphia has been disrupted by injuries and now the suspension, limiting the amount of time the team has had to integrate its full projected starting lineup.
Career Context for George
At 35 years old, George is in the latter stages of a career that has included multiple All-Star selections and deep playoff runs. He previously played for the Indiana Pacers, Oklahoma City Thunder, and Los Angeles Clippers before joining Philadelphia.
Throughout his career, George has been regarded as one of the league’s most complete two-way wings, known for his perimeter defense, shot creation, and experience in high-pressure postseason environments.
The current suspension represents the most significant disciplinary action of his NBA tenure and arrives during a period when availability and durability have become increasingly important factors in evaluating veteran stars.
Looking Ahead
George’s return date leaves him with approximately 10 regular-season games to reintegrate into the lineup before the playoffs. Whether that window provides enough time for Philadelphia to regain cohesion with its intended roster remains uncertain.
The 76ers have not announced any immediate roster moves in response to the suspension, but coaching staff adjustments and rotation changes are expected as the team adapts to his absence.
As the season continues, the focus for Philadelphia will shift toward maintaining competitive positioning while awaiting the return of a player expected to play a major role in any postseason run. The league’s decision underscores the NBA’s continued enforcement of its anti-drug policies and the consequences faced by players who violate them, regardless of status or experience.
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