The Philadelphia 76ers‘ season has been far from smooth, and one of the team’s star players, Paul George, has expressed his frustration with the current situation. With starting center Joel Embiid and backup center Andre Drummond both sidelined by injuries, George was asked to play in the paint against the New Orleans Pelicans in a 123-115 loss.
Despite being used to playing on the wing, George reluctantly filled the center position for the game. “It’s different. I’m used to scrapping and running around and chasing, fighting through screens. To be honest, I’m bored,” George admitted in a post-game interview. He further explained that while playing the center position requires him to clog the middle, help with passing lanes, and battle with bigger players, it simply doesn’t excite him in the same way as matching up with wings does.
Playing on a five just don’t do enough for me,” he stated, revealing his discontent with the adjustment
Sixers’ injury woes lead to unfamiliar roles
With Embiid and Drummond both out of the lineup, the Sixers’ roster was left with only two big men, Guerschon Yabusele and Adem Bona. During the game, one of them remained on the court for the majority of the match, with George joining a smaller lineup during a brief stretch in the fourth quarter. That lineup, featuring Caleb Martin, Tyrese Maxey, Kelly Oubre, and Ricky Council IV, was outscored by two points during those few minutes, illustrating the challenges the team is facing with their current roster setup.
George, who joined the 76ers in the offseason with a four-year, $212 million contract after five years with the Los Angeles Clippers, has been dealing with his own injury setbacks. Missing the start of the season due to a knee bone bruise, he has been playing at his lowest scoring average since the 2014-15 season when he was recovering from a serious leg injury.
Sixers’ struggles continue
As of now, the 76ers sit with a disappointing 15-21 record, placing them 11th in the Eastern Conference. In addition to George’s frustration, the team has been plagued by injuries to several key players, including Embiid, KJ Martin, Kyle Lowry, and rookie Jared McCain, who is out for the season. The Sixers‘ struggles have left fans and analysts questioning what adjustments can be made as they attempt to salvage their season.