While veterans who have attained superstar status are expected to set an example for younger players entering the league, the bare minimum expected of them is to avoid basic, preventable mistakes, especially something as serious as violating the league’s anti-drug policy.
This is why Paul George‘s recent suspension for 25 games drew strong criticism, especially from Shaquille O’Neal, who sternly questioned how a 16-year veteran could commit such a blunder considering the amount of experience PG-13 has been able to gather over the course of his career.
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O’Neal sounds off on PG-13’s mistake
Although PG-13 did not disclose the exact substance involved, he addressed the situation publicly and took full accountability, issuing a heartfelt apology to everyone he felt he let down.
The Philadelphia 76ers star made it clear that he would not be appealing against the banishment; rather, he would only be keeping himself in top shape to return at a high form. On the other hand, even from a financial standpoint, George is set to lose roughly $11.7 million from a $51 annual salary.
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However, for O’Neal, the issue goes far beyond the money. As he pointed out, the league’s rules have been consistent since the day George entered the NBA. To make such an avoidable error now, especially when the 76ers are chasing a top-three seed in the East, created a problem that can ripple through the entire locker room.
“You know, they give us a booklet on what to do, what not to do. They give us a booklet. They also give you, inside the booklet, how long it takes to get rid of something. So, I don’t want to elaborate on what he was doing, but stuff like this should not happen because they give you a booklet, ‘Don’t take this, this and this.’ The letter of the law, do not take any of these things. When you’ve been in the league this long, you know what it is. They test you three, four times a year,” O’Neal said.
“This is definitely gonna hurt,” Shaq finished his thoughts.
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This wasn’t what the 76ers needed
It’s hard to deny that George’s absence is particularly damaging, given the role he had begun to settle into. As the Sixers’ third-best scoring option, the nine-time All-Star was gradually proving capable of making timely plays on both ends of the floor, easing the offensive burden on Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey.
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However, now with George sidelined, there is added responsibility that now shifts heavily onto rookie VJ Edgecombe and role players like Quentin Grimes and Kelly Oubre Jr. to increase their production.
But what further complicates matters is the adjustment cycle that awaits Philly once George returns. Just as the team adapts to life without him, they will once again have to recalibrate roles, rotations and chemistry when he is reinstated.
That is precisely why Shaq sounded so upset – for a veteran who knows just how the league works and what position he holds in his franchise, getting suspended for such a matter only feels careless.
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This story was originally published by Basketball Network on Feb 1, 2026, where it first appeared in the Latest News section. Add Basketball Network as a Preferred Source by clicking here.