Overview
- The suspension takes effect immediately, starting with Saturday’s game against the Pelicans, and he is eligible to return March 25 against the Bulls in Philadelphia.
- The ban will cost George about $11.7 million in lost salary, roughly $469,692 for each missed game.
- Reports indicate Philadelphia’s luxury-tax bill will drop by more than $5 million, leaving the team about $1 million over the tax threshold.
- The 76ers were 26-21 and sixth in the East at the time of the announcement, with George averaging about 16 points in 27 games this season.
- The league did not disclose the substance involved, and under NBA–NBPA terms a 25-game penalty typically reflects a first violation.