When players reach superstar status in the NBA, expectations change. Veterans are no longer judged only by their performance on the floor, but by the example they set for younger teammates entering the league. At the very least, they’re expected to avoid basic, preventable mistakes — especially ones that violate clearly defined league rules.
That’s why Paul George’s recent 25-game suspension sent shockwaves across the NBA, and why Shaquille O’Neal didn’t hesitate to voice his frustration.
George, now a 16-year veteran and cornerstone of the Philadelphia 76ers, was disciplined for violating the league’s anti-drug policy. While PG-13 did not disclose the specific substance involved, he addressed the situation publicly, accepted full responsibility, and issued an apology to teammates, fans, and the organization.
He also made it clear that he would not appeal the suspension. Instead, George said he plans to stay in peak condition and return ready to contribute at a high level. Financially, the penalty is significant — George is expected to lose roughly $11.7 million from his $51 million annual salary.
But for Shaq, the issue runs far deeper than money.
Speaking on the situation, O’Neal questioned how a player with George’s experience could make such an avoidable mistake. From Shaq’s point of view, the league’s rules have been consistent since George first entered the NBA.
“They give us a booklet on what to do, what not to do,” Shaq said. “They give you a booklet. They also give you, inside the booklet, how long it takes to get rid of something.”
O’Neal stopped short of speculating about what George may have taken, but his message was clear: veterans know the system.
“The letter of the law — do not take any of these things,” Shaq continued. “When you’ve been in the league this long, you know what it is. They test you three, four times a year.”
“This is definitely gonna hurt,” he concluded.
And hurt is exactly what this suspension does to Philadelphia.
The timing couldn’t be worse for a 76ers team chasing a top-three seed in the Eastern Conference. George had begun settling comfortably into his role as the team’s third scoring option, providing steady offense and reliable defense while easing the burden on Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey.
With George sidelined, added pressure now falls on rookie VJ Edgecombe and role players like Quentin Grimes and Kelly Oubre Jr. to elevate their production. That adjustment alone is challenging — but what complicates matters even more is what comes next.
Once George returns, the Sixers will be forced to recalibrate once again, reshuffling roles, rotations, and chemistry after weeks of adapting without him.
That ripple effect is exactly why Shaq sounded so upset.
For a veteran who understands how the league works — and how much his presence matters to his franchise — a suspension like this feels careless. Not reckless, not malicious, but avoidable. And in a league where margins are thin and expectations are high, avoidable mistakes carry real consequences.