Title: Sixers’ $212M Gamble Already Cracking? Paul George’s Knee Procedure Sparks Panic Before He Plays a Single Game
In a move that was meant to redefine their championship trajectory, the Philadelphia 76ers made headlines this offseason by signing nine-time All-Star Paul George to a staggering four-year, $212 million max contract. The announcement sent waves of excitement through the City of Brotherly Love, with fans envisioning a formidable trio of George, reigning MVP Joel Embiid, and rising star Tyrese Maxey.
But less than a month after the press conference confetti settled, alarm bells are ringing.
Sources close to the organization confirmed late Sunday that George underwent a “minor but necessary” arthroscopic procedure on his right knee—a knee that has nagged him with soreness over the past two seasons. While team officials insist the surgery is “precautionary” and recovery time is expected to be just 4–6 weeks, fans and insiders aren’t convinced this is a non-issue.
The optics are troubling: a franchise that just poured over $200 million into a 34-year-old wing with a history of lower-body injuries is now facing the very thing skeptics warned about—durability concerns before the season even begins.
“He hasn’t logged 65 games in a season since 2018-19,” said one anonymous league executive. “This isn’t just about missing games. It’s about rhythm, chemistry, and trust. If his body can’t hold up, that contract becomes an anchor.”
George, known for his two-way excellence and playoff pedigree, was expected to bring a stabilizing presence on the wing, filling the void left by James Harden and giving the Sixers the elite perimeter scorer they lacked. He was also projected to take pressure off Maxey as a secondary ball-handler and spot-up threat.
But now, with training camp looming, all that is in jeopardy.
Social media erupted with worry. #SixersTwitter trended overnight with reactions ranging from cautious optimism to full-blown panic. “Please don’t be another Elton Brand 2.0,” one user posted, referencing Philadelphia’s past investment in aging, injured stars.
Team president Daryl Morey addressed media on Monday with a tempered message: “We knew Paul would need some medical maintenance this offseason. This procedure was expected and handled proactively. Paul will be ready for the season opener.”
Still, whispers persist that the Sixers may need to reevaluate their rotational depth, particularly on the wing. With Tobias Harris departing and few experienced forwards on the bench, the team’s reliance on George was always going to be heavy.
It’s far too early to declare the Sixers’ blockbuster signing a failure, but it’s also too early to ignore the warning signs. For a franchise desperate to escape the second-round playoff ceiling, any crack in the armor—especially $212 million worth—feels like a seismic shift.
And in Philly, where patience is thin and expectations are towering, that crack is already echoing louder than anyone would like.
