Paul George, the nine-time NBA All-Star who joined the Philadelphia 76ers as a free agent this offseason, hyperextended his left knee during a preseason win over the Atlanta Hawks, the team announced Monday. The injury occurred while he was defending Atlanta's Jalen Johnson in the first half, causing him to awkwardly plant his leg. George managed to score eight points on three-of-five shooting, along with two rebounds, one assist, and one steal in just over 12 minutes before leaving the game.
In an interview with the Philadelphia Inquirer, George acknowledged feeling the hyperextension and stated he needed to have his knee examined, but reassured fans by saying, "I'm not too concerned about it." Sixers coach Nick Nurse expressed hope that George would return "right away."
Injury Woes
This news comes shortly after Philadelphia revealed that star center Joel Embiid would not participate in any preseason games as part of a management plan for his surgically repaired left knee. Embiid played just 39 games last season due to a torn lateral meniscus and had returned late in the regular season after surgery. He was still wearing a knee brace while helping the U.S. secure gold at the Paris Olympics. When asked about Embiid's availability for the season opener against Milwaukee on October 23, Nurse said he was "not really sure where we're at with that," but emphasized, "we are right on course with the plan that we kind of set out."
George's injury marks another setback for the 76ers, who signed him to a four-year, $212 million contract this summer. He has previously played for Indiana, Oklahoma City, and the Los Angeles Clippers. Last season, George appeared in 76 games, his first time exceeding 56 since 2018-19.
The derailed Trio
With George joining MVP Joel Embiid and All-Star guard Tyrese Maxey, the 76ers were anticipated to form a formidable trio aimed at competing with the reigning champion Boston Celtics. However, there are concerns about whether George and Embiid can stay healthy throughout the season, as both have struggled with injuries in the past, impacting the team's postseason success. George previously led his team with 23 points in a preseason debut against Minnesota, shooting eight of 15.
