Earlier this week, 35-year old, 9-time All-Star, Paul George, dropped 32 points on the Milwaukee Bucks in a statement game.
The scoring hits endorphins but his defense, as if out of a time machine, kidnapped after a game with the Indiana Pacers, placed into 2026 to be the best on-ball defender on the team.
He’s gone for 25 games for failing a drug test.
The following was released by the NBA: pic.twitter.com/hveY31Fzpg
— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) January 31, 2026
The NBA’s statement is vague but no mention of the phrase “performance-enhacing” which means Paul George ain’t on the juice.
Here’s George’s statement following the suspension:
“Over the past few years, I’ve discussed the importance of mental health, and in the course of recently seeking treatment for an issue of my own, I made the mistake of taking an improper medication,” George said in the statement.
“I take full responsibility for my actions and apologize to the Sixers organization, my teammates and the Philly fans for my poor decision making during this process.”
George added: “I am focused on using this time to make sure that my mind and body are in the best condition to help the team when I return.” (source)
Paul points to his mental health struggles as the cause of what sounds like self-medicating.
I’m no expert on defending the pick and roll. With Deni Avidja’s free throw attempts, I’d set an unbreakable Cal Ripken-esque record for lowest free throw percentage in NBA history.
However, I know depression—the stanglehold it can have on someone’s ability to do their job, further deteriorating their self-worth, creating an inescapable prison of doubt and meaninglessness.
But Paul George is playing his best ball in years right now, locked in, fully motivated, taking both sides of the floor seriously—a star role player after mocking the idea on his podcast, I wish zero people listened to.
Again, I know depression.
Not sure what matter of potions or spells Paul found to ease his mind, body and soul, but they’re obviously working.
And here comes Adam Silver punishing Paul George for taking care of his mental health, discovering the perfect balance of uppers and/or downers to get through the day.
In the NBA, you are more likely to face punishment for popping xanax than for circumventing the salary cap or selling arms to the Russian military.
I stand with Paul George and will be indulging in my own self-medicating now, in solidarity with my depressed brother.
Everyone, lift your bottles, lighters, or pill bottles in the sky.
We lost a real one.
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