Paul George Delivers Message Celtics Fans Needed To Hear originally appeared on NESN. Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Paul George knows he has plenty to prove in Boston. The Celtics acquired the nine-time All-Star in the blockbuster trade that sent Jaylen Brown to the Philadelphia 76ers. It was a franchise-altering move that ended Brown’s 10-year run in Boston and separated him from Jayson Tatum only two seasons after they delivered Banner 18.
George cannot make Celtics fans forget Brown.
He can, however, make it clear that he understands the responsibility that comes with wearing green.
“I’m gonna give y’all everything,” George said in the Celtics’ latest All-Access episode. “It’s surreal. I’m ecstatic. I’m looking forward to the journey. I’m looking forward to wearing that green and representing for Boston.”
That is a promising place to start.
Boston’s offseason has been dominated by difficult goodbyes, financial questions and uncertainty about how the radically altered roster will fit together. The behind-the-scenes video offered the first extended look at the players responsible for launching the organization’s next era. George was joined by fellow newcomers Mitchell Robinson and Mike Conley during their initial visits to the Auerbach Center.
Paul George Embraces Massive Boston Challenge
George is walking into one of the most difficult situations of his career. He is not simply joining another contender. He is arriving as the most recognizable piece of the return for Brown, a homegrown star who helped Boston reach two NBA Finals and win a championship.
“I’m ecstatic, man. I’m looking forward to the journey, looking forward to wearing that green and representing for Boston.”
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) August 18, 2026
PG13 is fired up to be a Celtic: https://t.co/j8jpoXreFmpic.twitter.com/7sBQod5PuM
Every George performance will be analyzed through the lens of that trade. Celtics fans do not need him to become Brown. They need George to stay healthy, defend at a high level, create offense when needed and complement Tatum without disrupting the flow of Joe Mazzulla’s system.
Brad Stevens believes George is capable of doing exactly that.
“Paul’s a really good player,” Stevens said. “He’s been a really good player for a long time. He’s one of the more impactful players with regard to winning, even as he’s aged in the NBA.”
Stevens also highlighted George’s basketball intelligence, feel and ability to function in different roles.
That versatility could prove essential.
George averaged 17.3 points, 5.3 rebounds and 3.6 assists last season with Philadelphia. He remains a dangerous outside shooter and experienced wing defender, but Boston should not need him to carry the offense every night. Tatum remains the foundation of the franchise. Derrick White and Payton Pritchard offer additional scoring and playmaking, while George gives Boston another player capable of taking over a quarter or working as a complementary option.
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Mitchell Robinson Addresses Celtics’ Biggest Weakness
Robinson may prove to be Boston’s most important offseason addition. The Celtics agreed to a three-year, $47.4 million deal with the former New York Knicks center after losing much of their established frontcourt depth in recent years.
Robinson gives Boston an imposing rebounder, rim protector and interior presence. He averaged 8.8 rebounds and 1.2 blocks in only 19.6 minutes per game last season. He also arrives with fresh championship experience after helping New York defeat the San Antonio Spurs in the 2026 NBA Finals.
Stevens believes Robinson’s impact goes beyond his individual statistics.
“He’s an NBA champion and played a very meaningful role in that series,” Stevens said. “That’s just kind of what he’s always done. He just makes teams better.”
Robinson appeared equally enthusiastic about his new home, although one of his first priorities involved something away from the court.
“I heard the lobster here is like A1, so I definitely got to try that,” Robinson said.
Boston fans will appreciate the enthusiasm. They will appreciate his rebounding even more.
Mike Conley Brings Exactly What Celtics Need
Conley represents a much different addition. The 38-year-old guard is entering his 20th NBA season after signing a one-year contract with Boston. He averaged career lows of 4.5 points and 2.9 assists last season, but the Celtics did not sign him to carry a significant scoring load.
They signed him to organize the offense, support their younger players and provide dependable leadership.
“People talk about veteran leadership, and they talk about how important vets are,” Stevens said. “My argument to that would be good vets are really important.”
Conley has earned a reputation as one of the most respected teammates in the league. He is a four-time NBA Sportsmanship Award winner and two-time Teammate of the Year. Even his reaction to wearing No. 44 was understated.
“I’ve never worn a big number before, so I’m going to get used to it,” Conley joked.
The Celtics are asking George, Robinson and Conley to fill very different roles. Together, they provide experience, defense, shooting, rebounding and leadership around Tatum. Boston’s new era will not look like the one that came before it. That does not mean it cannot end in the same place.
George offered the most important message Celtics fans could hear at the beginning of that journey. He is coming to Boston prepared to give everything he has.