Setting Realistic Expectations for Paul George's First Year With the Celtics
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It's been a little over a month now since the Celtics made the bold move to trade away Jaylen Brown to the 76ers.
Many aspects of the trade seemed odd, including the Celtics' choice to take on an older Paul George, who is evidently out of his prime.
Whether or not fans like it, they're going to have to get used to seeing George in Celtics green, as he'll play a vital role in their on-court output this upcoming season.
With Jaylen Brown out and Paul George in, it's time to take a look at what George's role will look like in Boston, as he joins a new roster.
Setting Realistic Expectations for Paul George's First Year With the Celtics
Just two seasons ago, Paul George was an All-Star and one of the better 3-and-D players in the NBA.
After signing with the 76ers following that All-Star year in 2023-24, his production dipped in a few areas, and he wasn't living up to the new contract he had signed.
His role was quite different, as in each of the last two seasons, he played next to other All-Star-level players, which pushed him down the depth chart, but still, many believed he was underperforming.
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That trend continued during his time in Philly, but towards the end, most recently in a patch during the postseason when George played the Celtics, he showed glimpses of his old self.
That's the version of George the Celtics hope to get this year, but is it a realistic ask?
George will be 36 this season and is stepping into one of the hardest sports cities to play in the world.
There might be an expectation that anything he does short of what Jaylen Brown did means he failed, but that can't exactly be the standard he's held to.
The trade was done in the Celtics' eyes for other reasons, including opening up more opportunities for core players to be more involved.
There's no doubt Jayson Tatum is now the face of the franchise, as with Brown gone, the 1A/1B debate no longer applies.
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With players such as Payton Pritchard and Derrick White potentially being even more involved than they've been in recent seasons, it could give George the chance to play freely, without feeling like he has to perform as a #1 or #2 option, like he's mainly been throughout his career.
Fans may not be able to ignore the $54.1 million price tag attached to George next season and may see this claim as ridiculous, but the reality is George likely won't be in Boston long term, or at least long term on a pricey contract.
It would be best to accept George playing a smaller role, as a #3/4 option, who can use his experience as a former all-star and veteran in the league to help other players succeed on the court.
By no means is George going to be a role player, but taking a step back and filling the role Boston needs filled is just as important as trying to play like a player making $54 million a year.
It seemed that he began to accept that when he was with the 76ers at the end of the season, but it will be interesting now to see him play that accepted smaller role with the Celtics for an entire season.
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I'd expect to see George finish with an average of 15-20 points this season. Scoring is important, but his defensive abilities are what Boston might be looking forward to most ahead of his debut.
Brown has developed to be a great defender over the last few years, so adding George isn't necessarily adding a huge defensive presence that wasn't there when Brown was in Boston, but George is a little bit taller and lengthier, so it adds some more size to their lineup.
While letting the likes of White and Pritchard possibly absorb a bigger role, having George also gives Boston the option to let him play a bigger role in games where Tatum or other primary scorers are out.
I believe having George be versatile in playing two vast roles will be beneficial, as flexibility can only positively impact the team in those situations where they're banged up or need a player to step up.
If there's one thing you can take into next season, be prepared for George to play a new role, and be patient, because even if he doesn't appear to be anywhere near as productive as Brown was, it may be for a different purpose that benefits the team as a whole.