76ers’ George banned 25 games for taking ‘improper medication’

paul george He has been suspended without pay for 25 games for violating the NBA’s anti-drug policy, the league announced Saturday.

In a statement to ESPN’s Shams Charania, George said, “Over the past few years, I have discussed the importance of mental health, and recently while seeking treatment for an issue of my own, I made the mistake of taking inappropriate medication. I take full responsibility for my actions and apologize. sixes The organization, my teammates, and Philly fans for my poor decision-making during this process.

“I’m using this time to focus on making sure my mind and body are in the best shape to help the team when I return.”

George’s suspension begins Saturday night’s game at Philadelphia New Orleans Pelicans. When he will be eligible to return – March 25 to home country Chicago Bulls –The 76ers have 10 regular season games remaining.

The suspension will cause George to lose approximately $11.7 million of his $51.7 million salary, or approximately $469,691.72 for each of the 25 games missed.

The 35-year-old George is averaging 16 points per game while shooting 38.2% from 3-point range in 27 games this season. He has been part of a revitalized Philadelphia team that bounced back from last season’s injury-filled disaster to occupy sixth place in the Eastern Conference standings entering Saturday.

George’s combination, joel embiid And tyreese maxi The trio of players the 76ers put together 18 months ago in hopes of reaching the Eastern Conference playoffs have been on the court for a total of 365 minutes in 17 games this season, and have outscored opponents by more than 7 points per 100 possessions.

ESPN’s Bobby Marks reports that Philadelphia will save more than $5 million in luxury tax payments as part of George’s suspension, giving the team more than $1 million off the NBA’s luxury tax line and making it easier for the 76ers to get out of the tax this week without hurting the roster.

after thursday’s win Sacramento KingsEmbiid told reporters, “Obviously, we’ve been avoiding taxes for the last few years, so hopefully we keep the same team. I love all the guys here. I think we’ve got a chance.

“I don’t know what they’re going to do, but I hope at least we get a chance to go out and compete because we’ve got a good group of guys in this locker room, and the atmosphere is great.”

The 76ers (26-21) are 16-11 when George plays and 10-10 when he doesn’t this season.

Information from the Associated Press was used in this report.