The Philadelphia 76ers’ season took a devastating turn when superstar Joel Embiid was ruled out for the remainder of the year. With their championship hopes effectively dashed, the team now faces critical decisions about how to proceed. One major question is whether they should shut down another key player, Paul George, to prioritize his health and prepare for the future.
The Case for Shutting Down Paul George
Fansided’s Lior Lampert has been vocal about the idea of benching George for the rest of the season. With Embiid already sidelined, Lampert argues that there’s little reason to keep George on the court, especially given his recent struggles with injuries.
“Embiid isn't the only 76ers star who should be put on ice, if George still qualifies as such, though that's probably a stretch nowadays,” Lampert wrote. “Like the former, the latter has been (sluggishly) battling through a fair share of nicks and bruises. What's the point of keeping one active without the other?”
Lampert’s point is well-taken. George has been dealing with lingering injuries since the start of the season, and his performance has noticeably declined as a result.
George’s Health and Long-Term Investment
George’s commitment to playing through pain is admirable, but Lampert believes the Sixers need to prioritize his long-term health. The veteran forward signed a four-year, $212 million max contract last summer, making him a cornerstone of the team’s future alongside Embiid.
“George's efforts to suit up despite tending to multiple ailments are commendable. Yet, it's easy to see the correlation between his steep decline and health,” Lampert stated. “At some point, the 76ers must protect him from himself and keep the future in mind. 2024-25 only marks the first season of the four-year, $212 million max contract he signed last summer. The front office is significantly invested in him and Embiid for the long haul and should operate accordingly.”
Shutting down George now would allow him to fully recover and enter next season in peak condition, giving the Sixers a better chance to compete for a championship.
Looking Ahead to Next Season
With Embiid’s injury effectively ending the Sixers’ title hopes this year, the focus has shifted to the future. If the team is serious about contending next season, preserving George’s health should be a top priority.
Lampert’s argument highlights the importance of balancing short-term competitiveness with long-term planning. By shutting down George, the Sixers can ensure that their star duo is ready to lead the team when the 2024-25 season begins.
The Philadelphia 76ers are at a crossroads following Joel Embiid’s season-ending injury. While the immediate future looks bleak, the team has an opportunity to make strategic decisions that could pay off in the long run. Shutting down Paul George may be a difficult choice, but it could be the best move to protect their investment and set the stage for a stronger comeback next season.
As the Sixers weigh their options, one thing is clear: the health and longevity of their star players must come first. Whether George continues to play or is benched for the remainder of the season, the team’s decisions will have a lasting impact on their future success.