Paul George arrived at the Celtics this offseason in the blockbuster trade that sent 2024 Finals MVP Jaylen Brown to Philadelphia, and the reaction from Boston fans hasn’t escaped him.
But rather than take the criticism personally, George understands why Brown’s departure has hit the city so hard.
“I understand my circumstances. I understand how huge JB was, not only for the organization but here in the city. So I didn’t take it personal,” George said. “To be honest, they should have a relationship, emotionally, to that trade.
“But my job is to kind of come into a great opportunity for me. Obviously, the last few years have been rough, just with injuries. But for myself personally, I feel great again. I feel like I’ve turned that corner of dealing with injuries and now kind of reestablishing myself from a physical standpoint again. And with that, I can carry it over to the court.”
Boston isn’t asking George to literally replace Brown, but expectations will still be significant.
George also made it clear he’s not going to steal the spotlight from Tatum.
“We have a superstar, and that’s JT,” PG said. “I’m not here to necessarily steal the shine or try to reinvent who I am. I’m here to help JT, and he’s the guy. I played alongside another superstar wing, and we coexisted beautifully. I see that with myself. I see that with JT being able to play off him, being able to help him, being able to kind of still be a mentor.
“I can play off another superstar wing and still bring a presence, and still be on the side of doing everything to win.”
He joins a reworked Celtics roster alongside fellow offseason additions Mike Conley and Mitchell Robinson, with George expected to play a major role next to Jayson Tatum.
Tatum is entering his first full season since tearing his Achilles in May 2025, while George will be looking to reestablish himself after his own injury issues.
Conley believes the arrival of two veterans still chasing their first championship could also provide Boston with another source of motivation.
“It’s two guys who haven’t had a chance to win a championship,” Conley said, according to ESPN. “So, it’s that sense of urgency that maybe reignites that for the guys who’ve been on this team, who’ve already won it.”
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