Title: Paul George Undergoes Arthroscopic Knee Surgery, Faces Uncertain Return Timeline
Philadelphia 76ers star Paul George underwent arthroscopic surgery on his left knee on July 14, 2025, following an injury he sustained during a recent offseason workout (NBA). The procedure, conducted by esteemed orthopedic surgeon Dr. Jonathan L. Glashow at NYU Langone’s Sports Medicine Center, addressed a nagging knee issue—a clean-up operation without damage to major ligaments (Breaking AC).
Injury Background & Career Context
- Season-long battle: George, now 35, struggled through the 2024–25 season with recurring injuries. He suffered two knee hyperextensions—one in the preseason and again in November—leading to bone bruises. He also dealt with groin and finger tendon issues (basketnews.com). These ailments limited him to only 41 games—a career low since 2014–15—before he was shut down on March 17, 2025, following injections in his left adductor and knee (Reuters).
- Underperforming season: Averaging just 16.2 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 4.3 assists, George posted his poorest scoring season since early in his career (Wikipedia). Meanwhile, the 76ers suffered a dismal 24–58 record, missing the playoffs by 13 games (Reuters).
- Expectation vs. reality: Signed last summer for $212 million across four years, George was brought in to form a dominant trio alongside Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey. But injuries prevented all three from sharing meaningful court time—just 15 games together for 294 total minutes (ESPN.com).
️ The Surgery & Recovery
- Successful clean-up: The arthroscopic procedure was described as a cleanup session focusing on damaged tissue, not reconstructive surgery. Crucially, no major ligaments were affected .
- Rehabilitation timeline: George immediately commenced a rehabilitation protocol under team supervision and will be evaluated again before training camp begins in September (Reuters). The intent is to have him healthy for the season opener, but the tight timeline raises concerns (6abc Philadelphia).
️♂️ What’s Next & Outlook
- Training camp doubts: There is growing apprehension that George may miss at least part of the preseason—or even the season’s start—as the Sixers face a compressed recovery window (SI).
- Strategic adjustment: The injury adds another layer of uncertainty to Philadelphia’s summer planning. The franchise must now reshape its training camp framework and possibly explore fallback options if George isn’t ready in time (The Times of India).
- Career longevity questions: At age 35, durability is a growing concern. This marks the third knee-related procedure on his left leg in under a year, compounding worries about his long-term availability (Breaking AC).
Fan & Analyst Reaction
Reddit and social media platforms feature mixed reactions, with some sympathizing with George’s pain management efforts and others skeptical about his long-term effectiveness:
“Look, let’s be honest PG didn’t just become this bad. He is clearly playing hurt…” (Inquirer.com, Reddit)
“Paul George was asking after tonight’s game if his knee is bothering him… ‘Yeah, but it’s no excuse. I’m trying to work through it.’” (Reddit)
Another voice noted how the team has faced mounting physical setbacks all season:
“This team man…” (Reddit,
Final Thoughts
Paul George’s arthroscopic surgery marks a critical juncture in both his career and the 76ers’ future. On one hand, the procedure appears successful and non-invasive—relying on rehab rather than ligament reconstruction. On the other, the unspecified timeline casts uncertainty over his availability for training camp and early-season play. At 35, with recurring knee issues, questions loom about whether he can return to form—and if Philadelphia can integrate him effectively alongside Embiid and Maxey.
As the summer progresses, all eyes will be on his rehab updates. A clean bill of health could revive Philly’s championship hope. Another setback, however, may push the franchise into recalibration mode—forcing adjustments to its competitive timeline and roster strategy.
