Sixers Face Frontcourt Uncertainty as Paul George Set for Knee Surgery

According to Shams Charania, an NBA Insider for ESPN, Paul George will have knee arthroscopic surgery. Ky Carlin of the Sixers Wire claims that training camp doesn't start until October. Joel Embiid is also anticipated to return in time for it, according to the Associated Press. Despite the organization's optimism, this does mean that Philadelphia will have to be extremely cautious with its two highest paid players.

Together, Embiid and PG (not the healthiest of players historically) are slated to make over $106 million for the 2026 season, and moreover represent most of the Sixers' gameplan for their frontcourt. Philadelphia is now notably thin at the power forward position. Their main options are second-round pick Johni Broome and recent addition Trendon Watford. With Broome still unproven at the NBA level, Watford is likely to absorb most of PG’s former minutes at the 4—especially given his strong on- and off-court chemistry with Tyrese Maxey.