The Philadelphia 76ers are doing just fine despite Joel Embiid‘s minutes restriction and Paul George‘s absence. George underwent offseason knee surgery, with the Sixers being vague about his recovery.
NBA insider Jake Fischer revealed the possible timeline for George’s season debut for the Sixers on the latest edition of Bleacher Report’s Insider Notebook. The nine-time All-Star is reportedly targeting a return in early November, potentially within the next week.
“In Philadelphia, there definitely is some positive momentum to my understanding about Paul George making his season debut sometime in the next week plus, sometime in early November. So that’s a positive element of the injury bug that is biting a lot of players around the league right now,” Fischer said.
George was limited to just 41 games in his first season with the Sixers. He endured a hyperextended knee in the preseason, which slowed him down early in the campaign. He also had issues with his adductor and left knee after the All-Star break, with the franchise ruling him out of the season since March 17.
George’s Potential Return Date
Based on Jake Fischer’s insights, Harrison Grimm of Liberty Ballers placed Paul George’s potential return date between November 5 and 11. The Philadelphia 76ers have four games scheduled during that window, which includes a road game against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
The remainder of the schedule are all home games versus the Toronto Raptors, Detroit Pistons and Boston Celtics. George would likely want to make his return in front of the home fans who have been critical of his signing. He’s in the second season of a four-year, $212 million contract.
In his absence, as well as Joel Embiid’s limited playing time, the Sixers are off to a hot start. They are 4-0, beating the Celtics, Charlotte Hornets, Orlando Magic and Washington Wizards. Tyrese Maxey has performed like an MVP, while rookie guard VJ Edgecombe looks like a potential All-Star.
Coach Nick Nurse has used a variety of lineups in the absence of George, from Dominick Barlow to Jabari Walker to Justin Edwards. However, it’s Quentin Grimes who has shone the brightest off the bench.
With Jared McCain also inching closer to a return, the Sixers are going to have more offensive weapons at their disposal.
PG Sends Message to Sixers Fans
Speaking to reporters on media day, Paul George assured the Philadelphia 76ers and its passionate fan base that he’s doing everything he can to be fully healthy. George was confident that he still has a lot left in his tank and could help the Sixers be successful, which was the main reason why the franchise signed him to a massive contract.
“I’m the Paul George that the 76ers went out and signed. I do think I still got a lot of game in me, playing at a high level. That’s still who I am. I gotta get healthy to get to that point,” George said, via ClutchPoints.
With the way Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe are playing, as well as the wide-open nature of the Eastern Conference this season, the Sixers could have a shot to be successful. However, they have to remain healthy, which was their biggest problem last season.
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