Where do the 76ers go after Paul George’s suspension?
Paul George #8 of the Philadelphia 76ers look on during the game against the Sacramento Kings on January 29, 2026 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images)
After it finally looked like Paul George was turning things up for the Sixers and expanding his role, the NBA has ruled that he used illegal substances for his mental health treatment and has suspended him for 25 games. This comes after he hit a franchise-tying 9 three’s in Philly’s win against the Bucks.
Losing George is a big hit to this Philadelphia squad, as this healthy Sixers team was among the best in the NBA. Tyrese Maxey has been playing at an All-NBA level, Joel Embiid has came back to his senses and has began to look more like himself after a quiet start to the season, VJ Edgecombe has looked and played like a young Dwyane Wade and has been a spark on offense and defense, and George finally was playing more toward the standard that Philly signed him to a 4 year, $212 million contract for. Losing him sets the team back quite a bit in that sense.
George’s offensive production has been very similar to last season, with him averaging 16 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists, the same exact numbers from last year. However, his three-point percentage has jumped from 35% from three to 38% from three, a very sizable jump that increased his productivity from deep. Last year, much of George’s game came from the mid-range, but the three-point ball is where he gets a big majority of his points now.
However, it’s been his defense that’s been his biggest strength this year. George has been one of the best defenders on the team this year, picking up the slack when Embiid is slow and when the other forwards are lackluster. Defense will need to be a priority for this team while he is out.
With his productivity being lost for the next 25 games, Philadelphia needs to make a move at the trade deadline. It can be assumed that Dominick Barlow will likely fill in George’s forward spot, but he doesn’t provide enough offense to fully play that role. Daryl Morey doesn’t need to make a splash, but what he does need to do is go out and get a forward who can defend at the same level George did and be a productive scorer. Examples of players like this include Toumani Camara, Jaden McDaniels, and Keegan Murray, but the best option for this role may be Jonathan Kuminga. Kuminga wants out of Golden State and averages 12 points per game, and is a lockdown defender while also being just 23 years of age.
Philadelphia has the tools to go out and get Kuminga. Quentin Grimes is on an expiring contract and is a valuable piece that the Warriors would want to bring in. Golden State is looking to deal away Kuminga before the deadline, so if Philly can come in and offer Grimes, the forward could be theirs.
At the end of the day, Philadelphia needs to replace George’s role for as long as he’s out, and the best way to do that is make a move at the trade deadline for a valuable, established forward. George returns at the end of the regular season and will be available for the playoffs, so gaining this additional forward would give more depth for the playoffs while also filling in a need in the meantime.
Evan Hartenstein
Evan has been a member of the Philly Sports Reports team since March 2023. He is covering the 76ers and wants to pursue a long-lasting career in Sports Journalism.
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