Philadelphia 76ers star Paul George is progressing in his recovery after offseason arthroscopic knee surgery, NBA insider Shams Charania reported on NBA Today. Sources indicate he is not expected to play on opening night next Wednesday in Boston.
George, 35, underwent the procedure to address lingering issues from multiple knee injuries during his first season with the Sixers. Last season, he averaged 16.2 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 4.3 assists over 41 games before being sidelined for the remainder of the year.
Charania noted that George is carefully managing his return to avoid repeating last season’s setbacks. “Paul George never really had the chance to be fully himself fully healthy,” Charania said, explaining that the Sixers want him to reach full fitness before resuming play.
The 76ers signed George to a four-year, $212 million deal in July 2024, pairing him with Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey to form a star trio.
In his debut season with Philadelphia, George faced multiple injuries, including a hyperextended knee and adductor issues. Despite these challenges, he achieved milestones, surpassing Jason Terry and Vince Carter on the all-time three-pointers list.
George’s career has been defined by scoring and playmaking. Across 908 regular-season games, he has averaged 20.6 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 3.7 assists, earning nine All-Star selections. His playoff averages stand at 21.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game over 114 contests.
The Sixers are prioritizing George’s long-term health over a rushed return. His recovery is expected to continue through the early portion of the regular season, with the team monitoring progress closely to ensure durability.
