George comes with some red flags, though. The Sixers are taking a significant risk on the veteran All-Star. There’s a chance Morey has been drawn into chasing the name rather than the player. If things don’t go perfectly, the Sixers could end up regretting the decision to acquire George.
Here are three reasons why adding George to Philadelphia’s roster is a mistake.
1. George struggles with health
George struggled with his health throughout his five-year tenure with the L.A. Clippers. He played 263 regular-season games, equating to roughly 60 percent of the total games available once you factor in the shortened 2020 season.
That means he missed four out of every 10 games the Clippers played while he was on the roster. Outside of the 2023-24 season, George didn’t play more than 56 regular-season games in a single season for the Clippers.
The Sixers already have an injury-plagued star in Joel Embiid. Hitching your wagon to a second injury-riddled talent is a risky move.
Everything must go right for Philadelphia to stand a chance of being a contending team. George’s health is a huge question mark hanging over his addition to the Sixers roster.
2. He’s getting old
The Sixers aren’t getting the prime version of George. He’s already 34 years old. He’s on the declining slope of his career. His four-year contract will take him to his age 38/39 season.
There’s no guarantee he’s an All-Star caliber player during the last two years of his contract. As such, Philadelphia’s window is minuscule, especially when factoring the Boston Celtics into the equation.
By the final years of his new contract, George will be a rotation player rather than a star. There’s a reason the Clippers refused to sign him to a four-year deal. Philadelphia could end up regretting giving him four years. Only a championship would save them from regret.
3. Less touches for Tyrese Maxey
Maxey was the breakout star for the Sixers last season. He’s an elite guard with plenty of untapped potential. He thrived as the primary ball-handler next to Embiid.
Now, with George joining the team, Maxey’s touches will undoubtedly decrease, thus potentially slowing his development.
The Sixers must find a way to continue prioritizing Maxey’s growth as a player. He’s their star of the future and the only member of their new Big Three that has proved to be durable throughout the season. Nick Nurse must find a balance early, or else his best young player will be the one to suffer.