The 76ers signed nine-time All-Star Paul George expecting a big turnaround. A deep playoff run. A chance to compete for a title. Instead, the season has taken a nosedive. With a 23-44 record, any playoff dreams are practically dead. Joel Embiid managed just 19 games before injuries forced him out. Rookie Jared McCain, who had all the rookie hype, suffered a season-ending knee injury in December. And now Paul George joins them.

George’s season is officially over. NBA insider Shams Charania reported that the 76ers shut him down after he “received an injection in his left adductor muscle and left knee on Monday.” The 34-year-old spent the “last week consulting doctors,” trying to figure out the best way to handle his lingering injuries. And let’s be real—injuries have been the theme of his season.

They started early when he hyper-extended his left knee in the preseason, forcing him to miss the first five games. That same knee flared up again in November, costing him three more. January brought a pinkie injury, and groin soreness had already kept him out of the past four matchups. And after suiting up for just 41 games, Philly decided to pull the plug.

This marks the fifth time in six seasons that George has played fewer than 60 games. His 41-game tally is his lowest since 2021-22. Last month, he even made the tough call to put Podcast P with Paul George on hold, saying he wanted to focus on getting healthy and helping the 76ers turn things around.

But that’s easier said than done.

The Sixers are five games out of the final play-in spot, and George’s absence only makes their situation worse. And if that’s not enough, PG’s four-year, $212 million max contract will also loom over his head. The Clippers were willing to offer three years, $150M, but hesitated on a fourth, prioritizing roster flexibility. The Sixers, on the other hand, gave him the deal he wanted—now, months later, they’re already dealing with the risk that came with it.

Unfortunately, even in his limited appearances, George averaged 16.2 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 4.3 assists. Those numbers aren’t bad, but they aren’t what Philly expected when they made him their marquee signing last summer.

With Paul George shut down, and the season slipping away, Philly is shifting focus. Whether they push for a miracle or start looking toward next year, someone has to take the reins. Right now, Quentin Grimes is seizing his moment.

With Paul George out, who’s going to step up?

Grimes has taken full advantage of the Sixers’ injury struggles, stepping up in a major way while Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey remain sidelined. Over the past six games, he’s been a force on offense, averaging 25.5 points on 50.5% shooting, along with 4.5 assists, 4.2 rebounds, and 2.3 steals. This breakout stretch couldn’t have come at a better time, as he’s heading into restricted free agency and boosting his value with every game.

Quentin’s shooting has been a mixed bag—knocking down 52.6% of his catch-and-shoot threes but struggling on pull-ups at just 25.9%, per nba.com. He’s been aggressive attacking the rim, converting 16 of 27 drives while drawing over five free throws per game. Grimes may not be a franchise centerpiece, but this opportunity is giving him the chance to develop into a key piece next to Embiid, George, and Maxey next season.

Beyond Grimes, the Sixers have a few other players stepping up. Kelly Oubre Jr. is expected to have a significant role once he returns from his knee injury, though there’s no clear timetable. Ricky Council IV has been making a strong case for more minutes, averaging 14.3 points and 5.3 rebounds in his last four outings, while rookie Justin Edwards has contributed 9.0 points per game in his last five.

Lonnie Walker IV also reminded everyone what he’s capable of before missing the last two games, putting up 25 points, 11 rebounds, and five assists in a March 9 win over the Jazz. Despite these contributions, the Sixers’ season has been rough, and at this point, leaning into the tank might be their best move.

They can fight for a miracle or embrace the reality of their situation and focus on developing talent for next season. Either way, the rest of the year is more about the future than the present.