Paul George's first season with the Philadelphia 76ers was a disaster from start to finish. Not only did the Sixers miss the playoffs, but George appeared in only 41 games due to several injuries.
The Sixers shut George down for the season in March. The forward received injections in his left adductor muscle and left knee.
George signed a lucrative four-year, $211 million contract with the Sixers last summer. Philadelphia was projected to compete for the championship this season with George, Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey leading the way.
However, Embiid, George and Maxey only appeared in 15 games together in 2024-25.
Speaking to reporters during his end-of-the-season press conference on Sunday, George got brutally honest on if the Sixers can compete for a championship moving forward. The nine-time All-Star still believes in Philadelphia's roster.
Paul George: "I think we can be a team in the future that can compete for a championship."
— Derek Bodner (@DerekBodnerNBA) April 13, 2025
On what needs to happen, beyond health:
"I think continuity, identity...I think that's what we gotta find as a team."
Embiid recently underwent another surgery on his left knee. He will be re-evaluated in about six weeks.
When George underwent his procedures in March, the veteran was expected to be out at least six weeks.
George turns 35 in May. He averaged 16.2 points, 5.3 rebounds and 4.3 assists this season while shooting 43.0% from the field, 35.8% from beyond the arc and 81.4% from the free-throw line.
Only time will tell how the Sixers do next season. Right now, Embiid and George must focus on getting healthy.
Philadelphia will struggle again in 2025-26 if Embiid and George aren't healthy and productive.
George, who has never reached the NBA Finals, will make $51.7 million next season. He was the subject of trade rumors at this year's trade deadline before ultimately remaining with the Sixers.
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