For Philadelphia 76ers forward Paul George, being suspended 25 games for a violation of the NBA’s anti-drug policy was a blessing in disguise.
Since returning from the suspension in late March, George has been feeling better both physically and mentally, and that’s been evident by his play on the court.
The 10 games he’s played in since his return has probably been George’s best stretch in a Sixers uniform, and it’s coming at the right time with Philadelphia headed for the Play-In Tournament with a playoff spot on the line.
Extended Suspension Was a Blessing in Disguise for Paul George
While speaking about the suspension before the start of the playoffs, George was candid and honest about the positive impact that the time off had on his body.
“The time off has really unlocked me and allowed me to play free and to be able to play aggressively,” George said. “I don’t want it to get confused, I was healthy, but I needed time for my body to heal and for my body to recover. I was healthy and playing, but the games were coming too fast, and my body wasn’t responding quickly enough. I wanted to keep playing, but I knew that my body needed time.
“To start the year out not feeling all the way 100, but then end the year closer to 100, everybody’s noticed it,” George added. “I’m happier at home. My family, my parents notice it. My teammates notice it. It’s a weight lifted off my shoulders that I can just go out an focus on basketball and not on rehab.”
George should feel relatively rested at this point in the season compared to years past, and that’s good news for Philadelphia, especially since no timetable has been provided regarding star center Joel Embiid, who is recovering from an appendectomy.
Paul George, Others Will Need to Carry a Bigger Load on Offense With Joel Embiid Sidelined
Without Embiid out for at least the Play-In Tournament and potentially longer, more of the scoring burden for Philly will fall on George, along with star guard Tyrese Maxey and rookie V.J. Edgecombe.
Speaking of Edgecombe, George has become somewhat of a mentor for the young guard during their first season together and George worked with Edgecombe extensively during his forced stint on the sideline.
“With me and [Edgecombe], it’s just helping him understand can play at a different pace and tempo, and control the game, and turn his jets on and be explosive in spurts, instead of being explosive at all times,” George said. “I think he can really catch defenses off guard by playing around with his cadence.”
George and the Sixers will host the Orlando Magic in the Play-In Tournament. With a win in that game, the Sixers will secure a playoff berth and a first-round matchup with the rival Boston Celtics.
If the Sixers lose to Orlando, they’ll face the winner of the Play-In matchup between the Charlotte Hornets and Miami Heat. The victor of that meeting will lock up the final playoff spot in the East and get a first-round matchup with the top-seeded Detroit Pistons.
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