The Philadelphia 76ers have been plagued by injuries and other setbacks this season. The nucleus of their team, Joel Embiid has missed most of the game. But that’s the reason they gave Paul George his desired max extension in the offseason. So far, PG13 hasn’t delivered his value. He, too, has struggled. An onslaught of injuries has deterred him from performing at an optimal standard. But could there be another distraction?

It’s a floating argument around the NBA that active players having podcasts affects their determination towards the game. George hosts a podcast every Monday. And although not tedious work, he still has a role to play. While some fans blame his podcast for his struggles, Stephen Jackson sees a different issue.

The former Indiana Pacers forward feels George needs to rediscover his “love” for the game of basketball again.

“I don’t think it got nothing to do with the podcast. I just think P got to find his love for the game again bro. I mean like I’ve never been through injuries so I don’t know how injuries can deter somebody you know what I’m saying he’s been through a lot,” Jackson said on Gil’s Arena.

Jackson’s comments highlight a deeper issue. George’s struggles aren’t just mental but also physical. His injuries have piled up: George is just a year removed from playing 74 games. However, since preseason this year, the veteran forward has been marred with various injuries. Currently, he is nursing a finger injury that requires him to wear a brace. Although his non-shooting hand, George has admitted the injured pinky hurts when dribbling or even catching the ball.

Given the 76ers’ situation, he can’t afford to rest and recover properly. “I’m just trying to play through it and give this team what I can,” he said after the loss to the Celtics.

The 76ers haven’t had Paul George stay unwounded for a long stretch. But still, Jackson is confident that once George plays with joy, he can be a devious threat. “I just think he got to get his love for the game back cause that ain’t the P that we normally see that we know bro. We know P different than that,” he concluded.

Paul George is pushing himself to contribute

From a statistical standpoint, it’s true. Paul George is having a rocky season. The usually decisive star is struggling, reminiscent of his early years in the league. But stats don’t tell the full story. Many have questioned his devotion to Philly, claiming he is underperforming. However, his being on the hardwood itself is a sign of his commitment.

Currently the 11th seed, it’s crystal clear that the 76ers need to push their players to be available. That includes Embiid and Paul George. The Process in the past has shown up even with a myriad of injuries. In a time of difficulty for the franchise, George is doing the same.

Reports claimed the 34-year-old is taking some medications in order to play even with an injured pinky. And after another drastic shooting night against the Celtics, George himself confirmed the news. “The report is true. You know, I am taking some sorts of medicines to kind of, I guess, play through pain. But yeah, I’m going to try to give everything I got,” he said after the game.

The injections might help numb the pain. However, being effective with such discomfort in his non-dominant hand is still a hard task. In February, George is averaging only 11.3 points. With him in the lineup, the Sixers have lost all of their games this month. Still, no matter how he performs, defenses can’t slack off on George on an open floor.

Despite his struggles, George continues to exert himself defensively. Paul George is averaging two steals per game in February. Although not fully fit, George’s current objective is to make things easier for both Tyrese Maxey and Joel Embiid. Once fully fit, maybe the former All-Star forward will come into his own.

For now, the Sixers need him out on the floor and he is servicing them no matter how painful it is for him.