2025-26 NBA season is make or break for 76ers' Paul George

When Paul George signed a four-year, $212M free-agent deal with the Philadelphia 76ers in July 2024, he entered the year with big expectations. However, health problems and a diminished output marred his first season. He appeared in just 41 games before his season was cut short by issues with his left knee and adductor. In his limited appearances, he averaged 16.2 points, 5.3 rebounds and 4.3 assists, shooting 43% from the field and 35.8% from three — the lowest scoring average he’s had in many years.

Due to the injuries, the Sixers barely got to see him at full strength — and that inconsistency made integrating him into a new core (Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey) difficult. The team’s broader struggles only magnified it: Philadelphia stumbled to a 24-58 record and missed the playoffs entirely for the first time since the 2016-17 season. At draft time, conversations swirled about whether the Sixers would move on from George, though nothing materialized.

All told, it was a rough landing for a veteran signing expected to shift the balance for Philadelphia.

A new role: mentor, stabilizer — or fallback risk?

At 35, George can’t be expected to play like he did in his prime. With injuries already a factor, the 2025-26 season likely won’t be about big statistical jumps but about consistency, impact in key moments and presence. Reports suggest that Coach Nick Nurse and the front office envision George in a more mentorship role — someone who can mentor younger wings, hit critical shots and help shoulder less offensive load, rather than being a full second star.

That role shift is smart in theory — it fits aging veteran narratives across the league — but it comes with a strict margin for error. If George plays well, stays healthy and impacts playoff success, the gamble looks prescient. If he falters again or disappears in crucial stretches, his critics will point to how the Sixers backed him big despite his declining years.

Because the Sixers’ 2024-25 season was so bad — no postseason, no momentum, just a lottery pick — expectations are especially low but also volatile. If the team races past that baseline, it could buy him another season of goodwill. That said, if injuries or underwhelming performances again hinder him, the conversation shifts quickly.

The stakes are higher than ever

It’s not just about personal redemption. Philly’s roster and salary structure depend on George delivering. With Embiid recovering, Maxey taking on star responsibility and Quentin Grimes locked in via a qualifying offer, George’s contract is a big load on the books. If he fails to justify that investment, dialogue about trade possibilities may resurface — even if the odds are low.

Unlike a two-year “prove it” deal, George is on a longer term. So if this season delivers more frustration than breakthrough, the murmurs next summer won’t just be whispers — they could become hard questions.

For George, the thermometer is rising. He’s past the point where just being “good sometimes” is acceptable. This is a moment to show that he can still matter — or prompt Philly to rethink how long they’re willing to carry the gamble.