Paul George's season-ending injury has cast uncertainty over the Philadelphia 76ers as they navigate the final stretch of the NBA season. Announced on March 18, 2025, the news confirmed what many fans had feared: George would not return to the court this season due to injuries to his groin, finger, and knee.
The 76ers have invested heavily in George, with the star forward set to earn $162.3 million over the next three years. This staggering amount raises the question: can the team still capitalize on his talents moving forward?
George's troubles have been notable throughout the season, culminating in his absence since the March 4 game against Minnesota. Leading up to this point, George battled with multiple injuries, showcasing only moments of his prior elite form. On February 26, 2025, he announced during his Podcast P with Paul George his intention to temporarily step away from the show to focus on securing playoff positioning for the team. This move was meant to rally his efforts, but before he could implement these plans, his groin injury sidelined him.
Historically, George was known for his scoring prowess, but this season has seen him struggle significantly. With only 10 games where he scored 20 points or more throughout 41 appearances, his performance has waned to below 25%. Last season, as part of the Los Angeles Clippers, George crossed the 20-point mark on 49 occasions out of 74 games, showcasing his capability to perform at high levels.
The statistics tell the story: George has only managed to hit 35.8% of his three-point attempts with the 76ers, ranking as his second worst performance since his debut season. His difficulties have been magnified by the fact his role on the team was not as seamlessly integrated as anticipated, especially with the team’s offensive schemes revolving around Tyrese Maxey rather than George himself. The shift toward fast-paced play likely left George disoriented, unable to find his rhythm.
Defensive expectations were also placed on George, who entered this season with the promise of being one of the team's main defensive stalwarts. Yet, his performance has left much to be desired, with commentators noting he appears to have lost the tenacity and effectiveness to defend players across all positions, which once defined his career.
With just over a month left before the end of the season, the 76ers are left at a crossroads: the remaining games will largely serve as development opportunities for younger talents rather than playoff aspirations. Amidst George's absence, rookie Quentin Grimes emerged as a bright spot for the team, averaging 26.4 points per game since early March. Grimes, acquired before the trade deadline, has turned heads and demonstrated his skills as he prepares to enter restricted free agency.
The 76ers currently hold the sixth position for the draft lottery, providing them with the potential to maintain their first-round pick if they do not drop lower. The NBA draft lottery will determine the top picks, with teams hoping to secure talent to strengthen their rosters for the future. If the 76ers can preserve their draft position, they stand to cultivate a young core featuring the promising Maxey, the recovering Jared McCain, and potentially their draft choice.
McCain, who suffered a meniscus tear back in December, was once considered a front-runner for the Rookie of the Year award. His return, alongside Maxey and possibly Grimes, could pave the way for a formidable trio if both Embiid and George can return to full strength.
Despite the challenges faced, the 76ers remain focused on potential growth and the bigger picture. Fans hold their breath, waiting to see if the next steps will position this team for future success. With George recovering, the front office has to evaluate their strategy moving forward; can they transition from playoff contention to building for longevity? Only time will tell how the pieces will fit together as the 2025 NBA season wraps up, but the shadows looming over the franchise certainly add to the drama of these final encounters.
