Paul George Can Still Change Games on Defense

When the Boston Celtics traded Jaylen Brown this offseason, the move left many questioning the rationale behind such a significant and unexpected decision.  

The possibility of the Boston staple moving became increasingly apparent in my eyes after the Giannis Antetokounmpo sweepstakes ended with the former Bucks star landing in Miami. Still, I could never have imagined that the team Brad Stevens ultimately chose to pull the trigger with would be the Celtics’ longtime rival, the Philadelphia 76ers. 

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Boston ultimately received two future first-round picks and 36-year-old Paul George in the deal. The immediate concerns among the fanbase centered largely on what many perceived as a lack of adequate compensation for a Finals MVP coming off the best statistical season of his career. Other following questions may have included George’s hefty contract and what would he have left in the tank for his next campaign after an impressive playoff run.  

Those concerns were understandable, particularly given George’s age and injury history. However, his performance last season offered reason to believe that he can still provide real value, especially defensively.  

While he may no longer be the All-Defensive caliber defender he was earlier in his career, George showed that he still possesses the length, instincts and versatility to make an impact against some of the league’s best offensive players. His playoff series against Boston provided perhaps the clearest evidence of that, making it worth taking a closer look at how George showed he can still be a reliable defender heading into next season and why Boston wanted to add him.  

Defensive Playmaking  

Whether you believe this current roster is closer to contention than last year’s group or not, one thing is difficult to dispute: there is a clear philosophical alignment behind the moves Boston made. Mazzulla Ball is predicated on creating two-on-ones, and at times, three-on-twos, and capitalizing on those advantages. But another critical component of Boston’s identity is its emphasis on winning the possession battle. That means controlling the shot margin…

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Publish date : 2026-09-16 10:00:00

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