Philadelphia 76ers forward Paul George suffered a hyperextended left knee during a preseason game but has been diagnosed with a bone bruise and no structural damage, the team confirmed on Tuesday. Coach Nick Nurse stated that George underwent an initial examination which revealed no major concerns. An MRI later confirmed the bone bruise and ruled out any significant issues.
George, a nine-time All-Star, sustained the injury in the second quarter of Monday's game against Atlanta when his knee buckled during a defensive play. Despite scoring eight points in 12 minutes, George was promptly removed from the game for evaluation. He expressed optimism about the situation, stating that he was not overly concerned about the injury.
The team announced that George will be reevaluated in approximately one week and was already scheduled to sit out the upcoming preseason game against Brooklyn. The Sixers have been cautious with their star players, recently resting center Joel Embiid for the remainder of the preseason due to left knee management.
George, who signed a lucrative four-year contract with the Sixers this summer, has played for multiple teams throughout his career, including Indiana, Oklahoma City, and the Los Angeles Clippers. A six-time All-NBA selection, George has averaged 20.8 points over 14 NBA seasons.
With George, Embiid, and guard Tyrese Maxey forming a formidable trio, the 76ers were anticipated to be a strong contender in the upcoming season. George played 76 games last season, marking a significant improvement in his availability compared to previous years.
The Sixers are focused on building a competitive nucleus to challenge reigning NBA champions Boston, and George's health will be a key factor in their aspirations for success.
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