Philadelphia, PA – Paul George's first season with the Philadelphia Sixers concluded as a significant letdown, falling far short of expectations following the substantial contract he signed last offseason. The nine-time All-Star's performance was plagued by injuries and a noticeable dip in production, contributing to a difficult year for the team.
Signed to a four-year, $211.6 million contract, George was expected to be a cornerstone alongside Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey. However, he appeared in only 41 games, spending much of the season sidelined due to various ailments. When he was on the court, his impact was limited, particularly when tasked with carrying the offensive load without Embiid available.
One key area of concern highlighted was a decline in his ability to create offense off the dribble. Observers noted a reduction in George's characteristic explosiveness, which impacted his capacity to drive effectively or set up pull-up jumpers. This forced him into more challenging shots, affecting his overall scoring efficiency.
Evidence of this struggle appeared in his free throw numbers. George's average free throw attempts per game dropped to 2.4, his lowest mark since his second year in the league. For a player who historically gets to the line often and converts at a high rate, this metric underscored the difficulty he faced attacking the basket consistently this season. Film review showed defenders cutting off his drives repeatedly.
George himself acknowledged the difficulties of the past year, citing a mix of personal issues, the challenges of a new environment, and the frustration stemming from injuries. He described it as one of his toughest seasons, noting underlying physical issues he became aware of during the year.
The persistent questions surrounding George's left knee remain relevant. After suffering bone bruises in the same knee both before and early in the season, its impact on his play is a point of discussion. While he initially played under minutes restrictions that were later lifted, the knee was reportedly still a factor when he was ultimately shut down for the year.
Despite the challenging campaign, George expressed optimism about his future health and performance, believing he can return to an All-Star level when healthy. He anticipates no limitations in his preparation for next season.
Following the season's conclusion, both George and Tyrese Maxey voiced their belief that the Sixers team, despite the disappointing year that saw them tied for the seventh fewest wins in franchise history, possesses the talent to compete for a championship in the future.
George's contract runs through the 2027-28 season, including a player option in the final year, leaving Philadelphia tied to his performance for the foreseeable future. The team hopes that addressing the underlying physical issues will allow him to rebound next season and perform closer to the level expected when he signed his lucrative deal.
