Paul George excited to play for Celtics alongside Jayson Tatum: ‘I can play off another superstar wing’

More than two months after becoming a member of the Boston Celtics as part of a blockbuster trade with the rival Philadelphia 76ers that shipped out fan favorite forward Jaylen Brown, Paul George says he understands why Celtics fans have spent their summer harboring hard feelings over him arriving to take the place of the beloved homegrown All-Star. And, for what it’s worth, he’s not nursing any of his own.

“Listen, I understand the circumstances,” George told reporters at a Tuesday afternoon press conference to introduce him and fellow newcomer Mike Conley Jr. (Fellow new arrival Mitchell Robinson, whom the Celtics signed away from the NBA champion New York Knicks, was a late scratch for the presser, missing the introduction for personal reasons.)

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“I understand how huge J.B. was, not only for the organization, but here in the city,” George added. “So, I didn’t take it, you know, personal. To be honest, [fans] should have a relationship emotionally to that trade.”

What’s done is done, though, and with the start of training camp fast approaching, the 36-year-old George struck an optimistic note about what kind of difference he can make for a Celtics team looking to bounce back after a first-round playoff exit. (At the hands, coincidentally, of George’s Sixers.) Getting back into position to compete for NBA championships promises to be a tall order, but it’s one that George feels ready to help fill — thanks in large part to the way he’s feeling better physically than he has in quite a while.

Boston Celtics forward Paul George speaks during a press conference at The Auerbach Center at Boston Landing. (Eric Canha-Imagn Images)

(IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect / REUTERS)

“It’s a great opportunity for me,” George said. “Obviously, the last two 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 re-establishing myself from a physical standpoint again. And with that, I can carry it over to the court.”

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After playing in 74 games in his final season with the Los Angeles Clippers…

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Author : Dan Devine

Publish date : 2026-09-15 21:04:00

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