Paul George is set to make his eagerly awaited season debut for the Philadelphia 76ers this Monday night against the Los Angeles Clippers. The news comes from ESPN’s Shams Charania, marking a significant moment for both George and the 76ers.
Paul George’s Injury and Comeback
The 35-year-old forward has been absent for the first 12 games of the season. He was recovering from arthroscopic knee surgery performed during the off-season. Last season, George joined the 76ers on a four-year, $212 million max contract but struggled with injuries, appearing in only 41 games.
- 16th NBA season debut
- Previous team: Los Angeles Clippers
- Injury: Arthroscopic knee surgery
- Record last season: 24-58
George’s Performance History
Throughout his career, George has been recognized as a six-time All-NBA player and a nine-time All-Star. His averages over 908 NBA games include:
- Points: 20.6
- Assists: 6.3
- Rebounds: 3.7
- Steals: 1.7
Last season, he averaged just 16.2 points, the lowest in over a decade, alongside 5.3 rebounds, 4.3 assists, and 1.8 steals, on shooting splits of 43.0% from the field, 35.8% from three-point range, and 81.4% from the free-throw line.
Impact of Injuries on the Team
George’s injuries were part of a broader issue for the 76ers last season. His teammates, Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey, also faced significant injury troubles. Together, the trio managed to play just 18 games as a unit, resulting in a disappointing season for Philadelphia.
Current Team Status and Player Performance
As the 76ers navigate this season, Tyrese Maxey has emerged as one of the league’s top scorers, averaging 32.0 points. However, Joel Embiid has also been dealing with injuries and has averaged 19.7 points and 5.5 rebounds in six games. The 76ers currently hold a 7-5 record, showcasing both struggles and potential as the season progresses.
