NBA: 76ers' Paul George banned 25 games for violating anti-drug policy

Philadelphia 76ers forward Paul George has been suspended without pay for 25 games by the NBA on Saturday morning for violating the terms of the league's anti-drug program.

George's suspension will begin on Saturday night when the 76ers host the New Orleans Pelicans. He is eligible to return to action on March 25.

"Over the past few years, I've discussed the importance of mental health, and in the course of recently seeking treatment for an issue of my own, I made the mistake of taking an improper medication," George said in a statement to ESPN. "I take full responsibility for my actions and apologize to the Sixers organization, my teammates and the Philly fans for my poor decision making during this process.

"I am focused on using this time to make sure that my mind and body are in the best condition to help the team when I return."

George, 35, is averaging 16.0 points, 5.1 rebounds and 3.7 assists in 27 games (all starts) this season. He missed the first 12 games while recovering from offseason surgery on his left knee.

A nine-time All-Star, George was limited to 41 games in 2024-25 in the first season of his four-year, $212 million contract he signed with the Sixers.

George has career averages of 20.5 points, 6.2 rebounds and 3.7 assists in 935 games (887 starts) with the Indiana Pacers (2010-17), Oklahoma City Thunder (2017-19), Los Angeles Clippers (2019-24) and Sixers.

-Field Level Media/Reuters