6 Thoughts On Jarring Paul George Suspension News, What's Next For Sixers

6 thoughts on jarring Paul George suspension news, what's next for Sixers originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia

The Sixers received jarring and giant midday news hours before their Saturday night matchup vs. the New Orleans Pelicans. 

Paul George has been suspended 25 games for violating the NBA’s anti-drug program. In forecasting potential obstacles for the 2025-26 Sixers, no one would have named that news.

So, what now? Here are six initial thoughts: 

The locker room  

Following the Sixers’ win Thursday night over the Kings, Joel Embiid said the Sixers’ vibes have been “great.” A suspension will certainly test that.

George has seemed to mesh nicely with his teammates. He’s dished out plenty of advice and noted the Sixers’ youngsters call him “unc.” 

“That’s someone I have a good relationship with,” rookie VJ Edgecombe said of George on Dec. 11. “He’s helped me a lot, just telling me little things and things he’s experienced as a player, as a rookie. We have a personal relationship outside of basketball.”

The 35-year-old has also been glad to support stars Tyrese Maxey and Joel Embiid. He’s come across as a low-key, selfless locker room presence. The suspension shouldn’t irreparably fracture the Sixers’ culture, but it’s worth highlighting the behind-the-scenes challenge. 

Starting lineup 

In the short term, who should the Sixers start at full strength?

Outside of defensive rebounding — a weakness in many lineups — the Sixers appeared to have decent balance lately in their starting unit. The lineup of Maxey, Edgecombe, Kelly Oubre Jr., George and Embiid had a plus-3.8 net rating in 83 minutes, per NBA.com.

There’s no obvious replacement for George, who’s averaged 16.0 points, 5.1 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 1.5 steals. 

Sixers head coach Nick Nurse is a fan of Justin Edwards, but the second-year wing hasn’t even been a rotation regular in January. Dominick Barlow has started 30 times this season and done well as a hustling, offensive rebounding role player, but he’s a subpar, low-volume outside shooter.

The Sixers could consider smaller alternatives like Quentin Grimes and fully embrace a guard-heavy identity, but Grimes hasn’t been at his best for quite a while (and missed the last two games with a right ankle sprain). If Jared McCain found the level he showed as a rookie, perhaps he’d be in the conversation as well. Nurse has been intrigued since October by double-big lineups with Embiid and Adem Bona, although it’s hard to envision that as an ideal solution. 

Mixing up the starters based on matchups might wind up being somewhat sensible for now. Ultimately, every team would love a high-quality, stable starting five. 

Rotation

We imagine players on the fringe of the Sixers’ rotation will return to more regular action the next few games. 

Especially given their position, forwards Trendon Watford and Jabari Walker look like logical candidates for increased playing time. Edwards should have opportunities to shine without George, too. 

Trade deadline outlook 

The trade deadline is Feb. 5 at 3 p.m. ET (next Thursday) and the Sixers’ situation has grown murkier.

Even prior to George’s suspension, there wasn’t a no-brainer approach for a 26-21 team with a knack for playing extremely close games against all sorts of opponents, great top-end talent in Embiid and Maxey, and an exciting 20-year-old starter in Edgecombe. 

According to ESPN’s Bobby Marks, the Sixers will receive a $5.8 million tax variance credit — half of what George’s salary would’ve been during his suspension — and now be $1.26 million over the luxury tax. The team will be allowed to sign a player to replace George once he’s officially placed on the suspended list after their Feb. 7 game against the Suns.

Sixers president of basketball operations Daryl Morey has a ton of variables to sort through. At a minimum, the Sixers have some clear deficiencies, including defensive rebounding and wing depth. If Morey doesn’t do a stunning star trade, it would be reasonable if he sought upgrades in those departments. 

Playoff chances 

As of Saturday afternoon, the Sixers sat sixth in the Eastern Conference. 

They only trailed the No. 2 seed Knicks by 3.5 games … and only led the No. 10 Bulls by 3.5 games. That region of the standings may very well stay tight through the end of the regular season.

Maxey’s ascent to All-Star starter and Embiid’s excellence since late December make it easier to picture playoff success. Over his last 16 games, Embiid has averaged 29.3 points, 7.9 rebounds and 4.6 assists. Health permitting, the Sixers have serious star power.

However, as George’s suspension illustrates, many things can damage contention ambitions. And, even if everything in the rest of the season goes smoothly — Morey adds a valuable, low-cost piece or two at the deadline; the stars are sharp and healthy come playoff time; George re-integrates well — the Sixers will need to spring some surprises to go deep in the postseason. 

George’s future in Philadelphia 

George has a $54.1 million salary for the 2026-27 season and a $56.6 million option player option for 2027-28.

While he wasn’t a brilliant, in-his-prime player, George was unequivocally good overall through the first half of this season. Not as hampered by the lingering injuries that followed him through his first year in Philadelphia, George was a smart, versatile defender, shot 38.2 percent from three-point range, and tended to look comfortable in his role.

Few NBA players thrive in their late 30s. Suffice it to say that the future is unpredictable and nothing about Saturday’s news is positive for George or the Sixers.