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Philadelphia 76ers forward Paul George underwent successful arthroscopic surgery on his left knee on Monday, July 14, 2025, the team confirmed.
What Happened
- The procedure addressed an injury sustained during an offseason workout. Importantly, scans showed no major ligament damage, indicating a promising outcome.
- The surgery was performed by Dr. Jonathan L. Glashow at NYU-Langone Sports Medicine Orthopedic Center—the same specialist who treated Joel Embiid earlier this year.
Implications for 76ers
- George, who is turning 36 in May, now enters the second year of his four-year, $212 million contract. His debut season with Philadelphia was hindered by injuries; he played just 41 games, averaging a career-low 16.2 points per game .
- The 76ers, who finished 24–58 last season and missed the Play-In, were counting on George—alongside Embiid and Tyrese Maxey—to form a dynamic trio. His absence throughout the season limited that trio to just 15 games together.
Recovery & Next Steps
- George has begun a rehabilitation program and will be reevaluated before training camp starts in September.
- The lack of ligament involvement suggests that barring setbacks, he could be ready to participate fully when the season begins. However, the 76ers face uncertainty, needing to preserve his availability alongside other key players like Embiid, who also underwent knee surgery earlier this year .
Why It Matters
- Basketball experts are treating this as a clean-up arthroscopic procedure, not a major reconstruction—a positive sign for George’s physical outlook.
- Still, the rehab timeline cuts into meaningful time with the team, potentially delaying preseason chemistry and conditioning, especially for a core that has struggled with continuity.
The Broader Picture
- George’s successful surgery and planned recovery pathway is crucial for 76ers’ aspirations in the upcoming season. Philadelphia’s hopes to rebound from a disappointing finish rely heavily on the health and performance of its cornerstone trio.
- As training camp approaches, the team will walk a fine line—balancing cautious recovery with the need to build rhythm and readiness.
