NBA Lists Paul George Among Players Overpaying Their Value
Philadelphia 76ers' Future Hinges on Health of Paul George and Joel Embiid
The Philadelphia 76ers' quest for a championship has been marred by injuries to their star duo, Joel Embiid and Paul George. Last season, the team struggled to build a contender around the pair, with George playing only 41 games due to various injuries.
As the new season approaches, the success of the 76ers may hinge on the health and performance of both players. If George and Embiid can return to form, the investment in George's contract could potentially pay off. However, patience might be required before drawing final conclusions about George's contract, given his injury history.
Last summer, George signed a four-year max contract with the 76ers. But his 2024-25 season performance showed signs of decline and health challenges. He averaged 16.2 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 4.3 assists per game, with shooting splits around 43.0% FG and 35.8% from three-point range. At 34 years old, George faced knee issues, including an arthroscopic procedure on his left knee this summer.
These health concerns and reduced availability have raised questions about George's long-term impact and value to the team. Analysts like Ricky O'Donnell of SB Nation have labeled George's contract as one of the worst in the league heading into the 2025-26 season.
Meanwhile, Embiid, the reigning MVP, also missed most of the 2024-25 season due to injury. The team is facing questions about whether George will be healthy when the new season tips off, and whether Embiid can stay healthy long enough to lead the team to a championship.
Despite these challenges, the 76ers are fortunate to have young players like Tyrese Maxey, Jared McCain, and rookie VJ Edgecombe. These emerging stars suggest that the team may be transitioning and may not build around George as a long-term core moving forward.
The health of Paul George is a critical factor in the team's future plans. If he can remain healthy and productive, he will continue to provide valuable veteran leadership and experience. However, his age and nagging injuries limit his ability to consistently produce at his previous All-Star level.
In conclusion, the 76ers' future success depends heavily on the health of George and Embiid. If both players can stay healthy and perform at a high level, the team has a chance to contend for a championship. However, if either player suffers another injury setback, it could validate their placement on "overpaid" lists and raise questions about the team's long-term plans.
The Philadelphia 76ers' quest for an NBA championship may also rely on the performance of MVP Paul George in the upcoming season, considering his reduced productivity and health issues last year. The team's fortunes in sports, particularly basketball, could significantly improvement with a healthy George in the lineup.
If the 76ers manage to keep George in top form, his contract could potentially yield dividends, despite concerns about his injury history. However, staying patient with George's performance and long-term impact is crucial, given his age and recent health challenges.
The NBA season is on the horizon, and the 76ers' success heavily hinges on the health and performance of both Embiid and George. The team's future goals, including potential championships, may need to be reconsidered if either player faces another severe injury setback.
