76ers’ George banned 25 video games for taking ‘improper medicine’

Paul George has been suspended with out pay for 25 video games for violating the NBA’s anti-drug coverage, the league introduced Saturday.

In an announcement to ESPN’s Shams Charania, George mentioned, “Over the past few years, I’ve discussed the importance of mental health, and in the course of recently seeking treatment for an issue of my own, I made the mistake of taking an improper medication. I take full responsibility for my actions and apologize to the Sixers organization, my teammates and the Philly fans for my poor decision making during this process.

“I’m centered on utilizing this time to be sure that my thoughts and physique are in the perfect situation to assist the group once I return.”

George’s suspension will start with Saturday evening’s sport in Philadelphia towards the New Orleans Pelicans. When he’s eligible to return — on March 25 at house towards the Chicago Bulls — there can be 10 regular-season video games remaining for the 76ers.

The suspension will cost George roughly $11.7 million of his $51.7 million salary, or about $469,691.72 for each of the 25 games missed.

George, 35, is averaging 16 points per game while shooting 38.2% from 3-point range in 27 games this season. He has been part of a resurgent Philadelphia squad that has bounced back from last season’s injury-filled disaster to sit in sixth place in the Eastern Conference entering Saturday.

The mixture of George, Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey — the trio the 76ers put together 18 months ago in the hopes of finally breaking through in the Eastern Conference playoffs — has been on the court for a total of 365 minutes across 17 games this season, outscoring opponents by over 7 points per 100 possessions.

ESPN’s Bobby Marks reports that Philadelphia will save more than $5 million in luxury tax payments as part of George’s suspension, which leaves the team a little over $1 million over the NBA’s luxury tax line and makes it easier for the 76ers to dip out of the tax this week without harming the roster.

After Thursday’s win over the Sacramento Kings, Embiid informed reporters, “Obviously, we have been ducking the tax the final couple of years, so hopefully we maintain the identical group. I like all the fellows which might be right here. I believe we obtained a shot.

“I don’t know what they’re going to do, but I hope that at least we got a chance to just go out and compete because we got a good group of guys in this locker room, and vibes are great.”

The 76ers (26-21) are 16-11 when George performs and 10-10 when he doesn’t this season.

Information from the Associated Press was used on this report.br/]