Paul George was suspended 25 games by the NBA on Saturday for violating the league’s anti-drug policy, a blow to the Philadelphia 76ers a week before the NBA trade deadline. George’s suspension begins with Saturday night’s game against New Orleans. He is eligible to return March 25 against Chi cago. George released a statement Saturday taking responsibility for the failed test. “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,” he said. “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 am focused on using this time to make sure that my mind and body are in the best condition to help the team when I return.” George is in the second year of a four-year, $212 million max contract with the 76ers. He played just 41 games in 2024-25 while suffering through a succession of leg injuries and struggling to produce, averaging just 16.2 points per game. His scoring average this year is 16.0, though he’s been more efficient as a 3-point shooter at 38.2 percent. He’s coming off arguably his best game as a 76er in which he scored 32 points and hit nine 3-pointers in a win Tuesday over Milwaukee. ...read more read less