Tim BontempsJan 31, 2026, 11:58 AM ETCloseTim Bontemps is a senior NBA writer for ESPN.com who covers the league and what’s impacting it on and off the court, including trade deadline intel, expansion and his MVP Straw Polls. You can find Tim alongside Brian Windhorst and Tim MacMahon on The Hoop Collective podcast.Follow on XMultiple Authors
76ers’ George banned 25 games for drug violation (1:02)76ers’ George banned 25 games for drug violation (1:02)
Paul George has been suspended without pay for 25 games for violating the NBA’s anti-drug policy, the league announced Saturday.
In a statement to ESPN’s Shams Charania, George said, “Over the past few years, I’ve discussed the importance of mental health, and in the course of recently seeking treatment for an issue of my own, I made the mistake of taking an improper medication. I take full responsibility for my actions and apologize to the Sixers organization, my teammates and the Philly fans for my poor decision making during this process.
“I am focused on using this time to make sure that my mind and body are in the best condition to help the team when I return.”
George, 35, is averaging 16 points per game while shooting 38.2% from 3-point range in 27 games this season. He has been part of a resurgent Philadelphia squad that has bounced back from last season’s injury-filled disaster to sit in sixth place in the Eastern Conference entering Saturday.
After Thursday’s win over the Sacramento Kings, Embiid told reporters, “Obviously, we’ve been ducking the tax the last couple of years, so hopefully we keep the same team. I love all the guys that are here. I think we got a shot.
“I don’t know what they’re going to do, but I hope that at least we got a chance to just go out and compete because we got a good group of guys in this locker room, and vibes are great.”
76ers’ George banned 25 games for drug violation (1:02)76ers’ George banned 25 games for drug violation (1:02)
Tim BontempsJan 31, 2026, 11:58 AM ETCloseTim Bontemps is a senior NBA writer for ESPN.com who covers the league and what’s impacting it on and off the court, including trade deadline intel, expansion and his MVP Straw Polls. You can find Tim alongside Brian Windhorst and Tim MacMahon on The Hoop Collective podcast.Follow on XMultiple Authors
CloseTim Bontemps is a senior NBA writer for ESPN.com who covers the league and what’s impacting it on and off the court, including trade deadline intel, expansion and his MVP Straw Polls. You can find Tim alongside Brian Windhorst and Tim MacMahon on The Hoop Collective podcast.Follow on X
The combination of George, Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey — the trio the 76ers put together 18 months ago in the hopes of finally breaking through in the Eastern Conference playoffs — has been on the court for a total of 365 minutes across 17 games this season, outscoring opponents by over 7 points per 100 possessions.
ESPN’s Bobby Marks reports that Philadelphia will save more than $5 million in luxury tax payments as part of George’s suspension, which leaves the team a little over $1 million over the NBA’s luxury tax line and makes it easier for the 76ers to dip out of the tax this week without harming the roster.
The 76ers (26-21) are 16-11 when George plays and 10-10 when he does not this season.
Information from the Associated Press was used in this report.
76ers’ George banned 25 games for drug violation (1:02)