Team Strategy and Goals
The Philadelphia 76ers have been gearing up to sign Paul George for the past year, aiming to create a strong trio alongside Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey. The plan was to establish a team that not only works well together but also provides some backup in case of injuries. However, even before the regular season kicks off, they’ve faced a setback.
Injury History Concerns
George has a history of injuries, most notably a severe compound fracture in his right leg while playing for Team USA in 2014. While he only missed eight games last season, he was sidelined for 113 games over the previous four seasons combined. At 34 years old, concerns about injuries are likely to continue as he moves forward in his career.
Injury During Preseason Game
During a preseason game against the Atlanta Hawks on Monday, George left the game in the second quarter due to an apparent injury. While defending Jalen Johnson in the paint, Johnson pushed George, causing him to lose the ball. As George reacted, he fell to the ground in pain and was quickly ruled out for the remainder of the game.
Diagnosis and Recovery Outlook
The 76ers reported that Paul George hyperextended his left knee during the incident. Head coach Nick Nurse mentioned after the game that the team was trying to gradually integrate George into their plans, and this injury disrupts that process. He expressed hope that George would recover quickly and rejoin the team. Depending on the severity of the injury, there’s a chance George could miss the start of the season, with the 76ers scheduled to play the Bucks next Wednesday (Oct. 23).
Cautious Approach to Player Management
Philadelphia appears to be taking a cautious approach to managing injuries this season. Earlier on Monday, Embiid mentioned that he might not play in back-to-back games for the remainder of his career. The team’s focus is on being in good health come April rather than in October, so they will likely be very careful with George’s recovery and playing time.