PHILADELPHIA (July 15, 2025) — The Philadelphia 76ers confirmed Monday that nine-time All-Star Paul George underwent a successful arthroscopic procedure on his left knee to address an injury sustained during a recent offseason workout. The surgery, performed by Dr. Jonathan L. Glashow at NYU Langone Sports Medicine Orthopedic Center, marks another chapter in the 35-year-old’s ongoing battle with injuries.
The team stated that George will immediately begin a rehab program and is expected to be reevaluated prior to the start of training camp in September. While the Sixers did not offer a specific recovery timeline, the procedure is considered relatively minor, aimed at cleaning up the knee and alleviating lingering discomfort.
Lingering Health Concerns
For George, this marks the latest in a string of injury setbacks that have derailed what was once a Hall of Fame trajectory. Last season, he appeared in only 41 games due to a combination of groin, finger, and knee issues. His campaign ended in March following injections to his left adductor muscle and the same left knee now under the knife.
The 2024-25 season was statistically one of the most underwhelming of George’s 14-year career. He averaged just 16.2 points per game — a steep decline of more than five points from his prior season average and the lowest output since his third year in the league. Once known for his explosive two-way play, George has now played fewer than 60 games in five of the past six seasons.
Contract and Future Implications
George is entering the second year of a four-year, $212 million deal he signed with the Sixers in the summer of 2024. At the time, the acquisition of George was heralded as a move that could vault Philadelphia back into title contention. Instead, the trio of George, Joel Embiid, and Tyrese Maxey managed to share the floor for just 15 games, totaling a mere 294 minutes together.
The Sixers ended the season with a disappointing 24-58 record — their fewest wins since the 1994-95 campaign. A combination of injuries, chemistry issues, and coaching instability contributed to a frustrating year for a franchise with championship aspirations.
Embiid’s Road to Recovery
The good news for Philadelphia is that former MVP and franchise cornerstone Joel Embiid is reportedly “on track” to be fully healthy for training camp, according to team president Daryl Morey. Embiid underwent his own arthroscopic procedure in April to repair a meniscus injury in his left knee.
If Embiid and George can both return to full strength, the Sixers could once again be a threat in a competitive Eastern Conference. Tyrese Maxey continues to develop into a legitimate star, and the team made several low-risk, high-upside signings in free agency to bolster depth. However, the success of the 2025-26 season may ultimately hinge on the health of its aging and injury-prone stars.
What’s Next?
With the start of training camp roughly two months away, the Sixers are entering a critical evaluation period. George’s rehab will be closely monitored, and the organization must prepare contingency plans in case of setbacks.
Philadelphia’s front office also faces growing scrutiny for its roster construction and medical approach, especially considering the injury histories of both George and Embiid. While both players remain elite talents when healthy, their availability has become the biggest question mark hanging over a team still searching for its first title since 1983.
For now, the Sixers are hopeful George’s latest procedure is a minor bump in the road. But in a league where durability often determines destiny, Philadelphia can ill afford another season marred by “what-ifs.”
