Since signing a massive four-year, $212 million deal with the Philadelphia 76ers this offseason, Paul George has yet to establish himself as the dominant force fans expected. Instead, his tenure with the team has been overshadowed by injuries and inconsistency, which led to growing frustration among the fanbase.
That frustration was on full display Friday night when George made an appearance at WWE SmackDown in Philadelphia. Alongside his Sixers teammates Ricky Council IV, Guerschon Yabusele, and Adem Bona, George attended the event to witness the latest WWE action.
At one point, the group held up a WWE replica belt featuring the Sixers logo to engage with the city’s passionate sports and entertainment culture. However, the response was far from welcoming.
Paul George pulled up to WWE Smackdown in Philly tonight…
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) March 8, 2025
The crowd booed him 😬 (via @FadeAwayMedia)pic.twitter.com/t5odAF8Nan
As the arena announcer acknowledged the presence of George and his teammates, the reaction from the crowd quickly turned negative. Instead of cheers, a loud wave of boos echoed throughout the venue.
The criticism didn’t stop there. Social media erupted after clips of the incident surfaced as many fans expressed their disappointment in George. Some felt that his name was becoming associated with everything except basketball and winning games for the Sixers.
Anything but basketball
— ً (@xJx17x) March 8, 2025
Click on ‘Follow Us’ and get notified of the most viral NBA stories via Google! Follow Us
Doing everything BUT winning games lmao
— Nando 🍀 (@nando17celtics) March 8, 2025
Bro does everything but play good basketball
— GOAT Sports Ohio (@GOATSportsOhio) March 8, 2025
He’s literally everywhere but on the court smh
— CALLMEFANTA (@ITSDAFANTA) March 8, 2025
That’s the only championship he’s going to see in Philly!
— Dan Engelhardt (@engelhardtdan) March 8, 2025
Nick Nurse Discusses Paul George’s Potential Shutdown
The 76ers’ season is nearing its end, as they currently hold the 12th seed in the East with a 21-41 record. Hence, speculation has emerged about the possibility of shutting down Paul George. Head coach Nick Nurse spoke to reporters about the situation.
“We want them to play if they’re able to play, right? For me, the medical people tell me if they’re good. I think, at the end of the third the other night, he just wasn’t able to continue. So that kind of stuff happens too, and I just take around my directions from them,” Nurse said.
Till now, George has played only 41 games with the 76ers. In his first season with Philadelphia, he is averaging 16.2 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 4.3 assists per game.
Also Read: From High School To NBA Stardom: Top 5 Greatest Prep-To-Pro Players In History
