As media days for some have already begun, this means that training camp for all teams is about to start. Fans of the LA Clippers will finally receive an update on Bogdan Bogdanovic and his level of participation after he was removed from the EuroBasket.
On the flip side, today, Clipper fans were updated on Paul George, who underwent an offseason surgery on his knee, shocking fans. This was in July, and with the regular season starting in October, the two-way star mentioned on the 76ers’ media day that his goal is to be back soon.
Paul George: "I think I'm getting better and better [health-wise]...this next couple of weeks is very important leading into the start of the season, opening night...I do think I will be at a good place hopefully earlier than later."
— Kyle Neubeck (@KyleNeubeck) September 26, 2025
Nonetheless, George will return at some point during the regular season, and Philadelphia will need him early, as the fans do not want to see a repeat of the 2024-25 season. This was an atrocious campaign where the 76ers had a win percentage of 29.3.
Yet, George could be in some big-time trouble in the second season of his maximum contract with the 76ers, as the latest update from the team reveals that the nine-time All-Star will be forced to step up his game and remain available.
Jared McCain’s recent injury puts tons of pressure on Paul George to flourish
Fans worldwide were already devastated, knowing Fred VanVleet would be out for next season. Unfortunately, another injury made national headlines with the Philadelphia 76ers’ rising star, Jared McCain, tearing a UCL in his thumb.
The good news is that McCain will return next season, but according to Derek Bodner, a 76ers insider, these types of tears take nearly eight weeks to heal. This timetable hovers around 22 games, just over a quarter of the standard 82-game regular season.
Just doing some quick research while in the middle of a live show, from @InStreetClothes on UCL tears:
— Derek Bodner (@DerekBodnerNBA) September 25, 2025
"Surgery has a very success rate and studies show rarely result in a dip in performance... average number of missed games for in-season UCL repairs in the NBA is roughly 22… https://t.co/hiYweHShNZ
Moreover, Paul George must have an excellent bounce-back season in Philadelphia, yet the 76ers will need more from him while McCain sits.
On the contrary, the injury to McCain could be more troubling for George than anything, as his body is on the decline and cannot stay healthy. He only played 41 games last season, and with McCain out, who was expected to have a miraculous sophomore year, the former LA Clipper will have to overachieve, which will inevitably lead to failures.
That said, there is a chance George could work his way towards full-contact participation in practice, but it may still take a few weeks to achieve this. On the bright side, October 22nd is still some time away, and this gives him a substantial period to ramp up at his own pace to hopefully show up ready for one of Philadelphia’s first games.