The season for the Philadelphia 76ers and Paul George has been plagued by injuries, close losses, and disappointments. During the offseason, the California native signed a four-year, $211 million deal, earning nearly $50 million in the first year of his contract. However, George has been one of the most underwhelming free agency additions this season.
He has shown a noticeable drop-off on both ends of the floor, compounded by a nagging injury that has kept him out for almost 20 games. Currently, he is averaging his second-lowest scoring output of 16 points per game, along with four assists, five rebounds, and nearly two steals.
Before the Sixers’ ninth straight loss—this time in a close game against the New York Knicks—it was announced that George would be shutting down his podcast for the rest of the season to focus on basketball.
Philadelphia sits 12th in the Eastern Conference, hoping to at least secure the 10th seed for a shot at the play-in tournament. Podcast P with Paul George has led many fans and media members to question his focus, as if the show was a major distraction from his game.
However, when you’re earning nearly $50 million in a city that demands a winning mentality, these criticisms are expected. With the team sitting at 20-38, shutting down the podcast seems like a good decision—but it’s a move that likely should’ve come much earlier in the season.
George addressed his reasoning for pausing the podcast after the Knicks game.
“It’s more to focus,” George told the media. “I haven’t been the healthiest, so it’s just been about putting a lot towards my body, getting as healthy as possible, and staying focused on being here and trying to turn things around. The full focus is trying to get this team together.”
With 26 games left in the season, time will tell if eliminating the podcast helps spark a turnaround for Philadelphia.
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