Philadelphia 76ers: Paul George is WASHED

The Philadelphia 76ers dropped another game Monday night, this time to the Phoenix Suns with a score of 109-99.

The Sixers have been very inconsistent as a team as of late, and one man is a big reason for it.

Paul George had another forgettable performance, posting just 13 points on 5-18 shooting in 38 minutes of play.

Philadelphia signed George to a huge 4-year, $212 million dollar contract in the offseason. They thought signing him would be the piece to bring them to championship status, but they’ve been wrong.

He’s Not The Guy Anymore

The “Podcast P” host is averaging his lowest points per game total since his second year in the league (12.1). He’s averaging 16.2 points per game on 41.4% shooting in the 2024-25 season.

George has also been a shooting liability at times on the court. His splits have been abysmal, he’s averaging 33% from 3 point land which is the lowest since his rookie year.

Defensively, he’s still doing a solid job. He has a defensive rating of 111.0 this season, which is top 50 in the league.

Although he’s been a decent defender, George has gotten into foul trouble in quite a few games this season. Recently against Sacramento, his fouls were costly late in the game.

The Injury Bug

Paul George has been known for suffering injuries in the last few years. It has hindered his ability to be the explosive player he once was. It has also hindered his teams’ chances at winning.

Just this season alone, he’s suffered two knee injuries. George was asked whether his injuries this season have affected his play.

“Yeah, but it’s no excuse. I’m trying to work through it. If I’m out on the floor, I’m fine enough to play.”

The issue is, he’s clearly not well enough to compete anymore. The 34 year-old isn’t getting any younger and the Sixers desperately need him to show up, especially when Joel Embiid doesn’t play.

Room For Improvement

There is plenty of season left, but the days are ticking away. Philly sits at a 14-20 record and they can’t afford to keep losing.

The world has seen the best of Paul George already, and that version of him is long gone. Philadelphia thought they would have an upgrade from Tobias Harris to George, but the production has been even worse.

If George focused on basketball the way he focuses on his podcast, he’d be producing on the court much more. This contract for the 76ers is already looking like the wrong move.