Philadelphia 76ers fans kept their skepticism meters on high despite getting a promise from Paul George during media day.
George spoke to reporters on Friday during his press conference at the team’s practice facility in Camden, N.J. The nine-time All-Star assured fans that he’s going to play to the standard they expected of him when the 76ers inked him to a $212 million max contract last offseason.
“I’m the Paul George that the 76ers went out and signed,” George said, when asked about his role on the team this season. “I do think that I’ve still got a lot of game in me, playing at a high level. That’s still who I am.”
Fans were not buying what George was trying to sell. Many felt like George’s words were just lip service, given the massive amount of money he’s expected to make over the next three seasons. Beyond George’s level of play, some were even dubious that George can manage to stay healthy throughout the course of the season.
he meant to say: “I’m the Paul George that the 76ers went out and signed. I do think I still can sit on the bench and make a lot of money at a high level.”
— DK (@dk0321_) September 26, 2025
I’m not falling for the 76ers hype train again
— Ledger (@LedgerOnX) September 26, 2025
PG’s gonna give Philly 82 games total during the course of his contract
— pawellwitt (@pawellwitt) September 26, 2025
“Playing at a high level”
— joemuraskiiii (@joemuraski12) September 26, 2025
Why don’t you start with playing?
Ironically, George finished his answer by stating that he’s expected to miss training camp as he recovers from a knee injury the 76ers star sustained in July.
It’s easy to understand why Sixers fans would take such promises with a grain of salt. George was limited to just 41 games last season due to injuries. Even when he was healthy enough to play, George looked like a shell of himself on the court, averaging 16.2 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 4.3 assists in his first season in Philly.
Between George, the newly injured Jared McCain, and the never-ending Joel Embiid injury saga, Sixers fans will need to see things play out on the court before believing any offseason promises.
