Sixers Reel From Paul George's 25-Game Suspension

Veteran forward's drug policy violation leaves team searching for solutions ahead of NBA trade deadline

Jan. 31, 2026 at 2:47pm

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The Philadelphia 76ers were hit with a major blow just hours before their Saturday night matchup against the New Orleans Pelicans, as veteran forward Paul George was suspended 25 games for violating the NBA's anti-drug program. The suspension will test the team's chemistry and force head coach Nick Nurse to reshuffle the starting lineup and rotation.

Why it matters

George has been a key veteran presence and two-way contributor for the Sixers this season, providing scoring, playmaking, and defense. His absence will leave a significant void, putting pressure on the team's young core of Tyrese Maxey and Joel Embiid to carry an even heavier load. The suspension also complicates the Sixers' plans ahead of the upcoming NBA trade deadline as they evaluate how to address their roster needs.

The details

In three separate incidents since July, police said 45-year-old San Francisco resident Walker Reed Quinn has been accused of damaging Waymo autonomous vehicles by removing and swinging his belt, placing a cone on the dome and sensors, damaging tires and mirrors, and stomping on windshields. Quinn has a history of vandalism and was out on bail for prior cases related to Waymo vehicles.

  • On July 4, Quinn allegedly dove onto the hood of a Waymo vehicle and covered sensors.
  • On July 29, Quinn allegedly damaged a Waymo's tires and driver's side mirror.
  • On August 11, Quinn allegedly stomped on a windshield while someone was inside.

The players

Paul George

A 35-year-old veteran forward who has been a key contributor for the Philadelphia 76ers this season, providing scoring, playmaking, and defense.

Nick Nurse

The head coach of the Philadelphia 76ers, who will need to reshuffle his starting lineup and rotation in the wake of George's suspension.

Tyrese Maxey

The young star guard for the Philadelphia 76ers, who will be counted on to shoulder an even heavier load with George sidelined.

Joel Embiid

The superstar center for the Philadelphia 76ers, who will need to continue his dominant play to keep the team afloat during George's absence.

Daryl Morey

The president of basketball operations for the Philadelphia 76ers, who will need to navigate the team's roster needs and the upcoming NBA trade deadline in the wake of George's suspension.

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What they’re saying

“That's someone I have a good relationship with. He's helped me a lot, just telling me little things and things he's experienced as a player, as a rookie. We have a personal relationship outside of basketball.”

— VJ Edgecombe, Sixers rookie (Instagram)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, Rainbow Grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The Sixers will need to determine their starting lineup and rotation in George's absence, potentially relying more on young players like Trendon Watford and Jabari Walker. Ahead of the February 5th trade deadline, team president Daryl Morey will also need to evaluate how to address the team's roster needs, including potential wing depth and defensive rebounding.

The takeaway

George's suspension is a major blow to the Sixers' championship aspirations this season, testing the team's chemistry and forcing them to adjust on the fly. However, with stars like Maxey and Embiid leading the way, the Sixers have the talent to weather this storm, provided they can make the right roster moves and adjustments in the coming weeks.