LAS VEGAS — Paul George underwent successful arthroscopic surgery on his left knee, the Philadelphia 76ers announced Monday. The team said it plans to re-evaluate the 15-year veteran before the start of training camp.
George, Philadelphia’s starting small forward, sustained the injury during a recent offseason workout. In a vacuum, the injury doesn’t appear to threaten what Philadelphia wants to accomplish once the regular season starts. In context, it’s another concerning injury in a long line of them.
With Joel Embiid only cleared for partial basketball activities and George now in rehabilitation mode, that means two of Philadelphia’s three best players will at the very least be working their way back from injuries heading into a pivotal season. If George isn’t ready for training camp, preseason or the regular season, it would have numerous implications for Philadelphia in the interim.
The situation would put more of an onus on the Sixers coming to terms with restricted free agent Quentin Grimes, who is probably best at shooting guard but is dynamic enough to play minutes at small forward. It might also ensure that the Sixers once again have Kelly Oubre Jr. in the starting lineup, as he was for much of last season. Additionally, it would heighten the importance of integrating free-agent signing Trendon Watford, who is the team’s only natural power forward playing on a standard contract.
If Grimes ends up playing small-forward minutes during a George absence for any amount of time, it could bump second-year guard Jared McCain, himself working back from a knee injury, into the starting lineup. Rookie guard VJ Edgecombe could also see more minutes off the bench.
Whether or not George misses time, the situation is not ideal for the Sixers. George has struggled with injuries for the majority of his tenure in Philadelphia, and when he was healthy, he was not the Paul George who spent a chunk of his prime on All-Star and All-NBA teams. Now, heading into his second season in Philadelphia, he could be hobbled once again.
As for Embiid, general manager Daryl Morey said last week that he is “on track” in his recovery and that the team expects its star center will be healthy by the start of the season.
(Photo: Luke Hales / Getty Images)
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