Boston Celtics
“I’m here and want to be here to help him be the best version and help him be in that MVP conversation.”
Jayson Tatum and Paul George pose for photos during Celtics media day. Maddie Meyer/Getty Images
Nine-time NBA All-Star Paul George arrived to the Boston Celtics under awkward circumstances.
He (and several draft picks) was dealt to Boston from the Philadelphia 76ers in exchange for beloved Celtics star Jaylen Brown in a shocking offseason trade in July. The move initially drew mixed reviews from fans in Boston, some of whom noted George’s age (36) and recent knee injuries as being downfalls for the Celtics.
Now that the dust has settled and with the regular season imminent, George shared his thoughts on the “disrespect” hurled his way following the trade.
“I’m for sure motivated. Disrespected, no,” George told 98.5 The Sports Hub’s Joe Murray.
George, who debuted in 2010, said he understands the impact Brown had on Boston, but he wants to prove to fans that he’s not washed up.
“What JB meant here, it wasn’t like it was a regular piece that was moved. JB is huge here, right?” he said. “You think of guys that have worn this jersey, the very many numbers that are retired up there. JB could very well be one of those numbers that get retired. There’s an emotional attachment to JB and this city.
“I wasn’t disrespected by it. Quite frankly, it is motivating. I do think that I can turn the clock a little bit from me now being able to play a season healthy and be more myself than the injured version of myself. I think more than anything, that’s what I’m here to prove, is that I — when healthy — I can be back to being like a premier player in this league.”
George said he understands his role on this iteration of the Boston Celtics, though.
The 16-year veteran is aware that he joined Jayson Tatum’s team. He wants to aid in Tatum’s success as the pair enter the season healthy.
“Again, JT is ‘the guy,’ right? I’m here and want to be here to help him be the best version and help him be in that MVP conversation,” George said. “I don’t have to be the guy. But I know what value I bring.
“I know what I’m capable of. I know what I can do at a high level. I know that I can be a 20-point scorer if I need to. I know that I can guard and lock up the best player if I need to. I know I can go and sky over and get rebounds when I need.
“Like, I know how much value I bring to the game. I don’t have to be known as ‘the guy’ on the team. I still can be efficient. I still can control and have an imprint on a game with every role, in any role that I have.”
George last played more than 41 games in a season in 2023-24 with the Los Angeles Clippers. He’d dealt with recurring left knee issues, but indicated he’s since recovered and looks forward to beginning the new year with his new team without setbacks.
“That’s a big goal of mine, is to be on the upper end of playing at least 50-60 games throughout the year,” he said. “And with that, finishing the year healthy and being at my best come playoff time.”
George’s two-season stint with the 76ers may not have been his best showing. He even said that prior to being dealt to Boston, he was interested in a “fresh start.” But he’s ready to build off his 2025-26 playoff performance, which included coming back from being down 3-1 in the Eastern Conference first round against the Celtics.
George averaged 16.4 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 3.0 assists with a 45.8 field goal percentage and 49.3 3-point percentage through 11 postseason games for Philadelphia.
Replacing Brown is no easy task, even if you’re one of the defining players of your generation in George. But if he can capitalize on his success in his most recent healthy stretch, he could play an important role in a new era of basketball in Boston.
Kaley Brown
Kaley Brown is a sports producer who covers breaking and trending news about the Bruins, Celtics, Patriots, and Red Sox.
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