Home 76ers Paul George to miss start of Sixers camp after knee surgery

Paul George to miss start of Sixers camp after knee surgery

September 26, 2025

Paul George, 76ers, Sixers, NBA, Nets — File photo

The Sixers will be without Paul George when training camp tips off.

George, 35, is recovering from left knee surgery after suffering an injury during summer workouts. He told reporters at media day that while he won’t be ready right away, he’s encouraged by his progress.

“I’m getting better and better,” George said. “I’m feeling stronger and stronger. I feel a lot better now than I did at this point last year.”

Philadelphia made its big swing last summer, when it lured George away from the Clippers with a four-year, $211 million deal. That contract pays him $51.7 million this season and could top out at $56.6 million with a player option in 2027-28.

Year one didn’t go as planned. George appeared in just 41 games, averaging 16.2 points, 5.3 rebounds and 4.3 assists. The Sixers finished 24-58 and missed the playoffs. George, Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey only managed to share the court for 15 games.

George has played for the Pacers, Thunder, Clippers and now Philadelphia — and for all his accolades, he’s never made it to the NBA Finals. The Sixers need that to change if this roster is going to be worth its price tag.

The rest of the offseason was about tweaks, not splashes. The Sixers added VJ Edgecombe (No. 3 overall) and Johni Broome (No. 35) in the draft, re-signed Kyle Lowry and Eric Gordon, lost Guerschon Yabusele to the Knicks, and signed Trendon Watford. Andre Drummond and Kelly Oubre Jr. picked up options to stay.

Quentin Grimes, however, remains a restricted free agent and was absent from media day. Unless a new deal is reached, he has until October 1 to sign his $8.7 million qualifying offer.

So here’s the reality in Philly: George is on the books for superstar money, but not on the floor to start camp. For a team that badly needs a reset, it’s not the ideal opening note.