Paul George Returns After 25-Game Suspension

Philadelphia 76ers forward Paul George is set to return to the court Wednesday night against the Chicago Bulls, ending a 25-game suspension for violating the NBA's anti-drug program that began in late January.

George, a nine-time All-Star, addressed reporters Tuesday at the team's New Jersey practice facility, where he apologized for the lapse in judgment that led to his failed drug test. "I give my apology to the city of Philadelphia, my family, my teammates, the organization," he said. "Everybody that was affected with this suspension." He declined to specify the banned substance, describing the details as personal, but connected the incident to mental health challenges stemming from physical setbacks. "Being a pro athlete takes a toll on you, and my body wasn't where I wanted it to be, and the expectation to perform, because of my body not being where it needed to be," George explained. "That's what led to the poor decision at the time."

The 35-year-old signed a four-year, $212 million contract with the 76ers in free agency before the 2024 season, but his debut year has been turbulent. An offseason knee injury during a workout required arthroscopic surgery in July, causing...