<\/p>\n
Paul George arrived at the Celtics this offseason in the blockbuster trade that sent 2024 Finals MVP Jaylen Brown to Philadelphia, and the reaction from Boston fans hasn\u2019t escaped him.<\/p>\n
But rather than take the criticism personally, George understands why Brown\u2019s departure has hit the city so hard.<\/p>\n
\u201cI understand my circumstances. I understand how huge JB was, not only for the organization but here in the city. So I didn\u2019t take it personal,\u201d George said<\/a>. \u201cTo be honest, they should have a relationship, emotionally, to that trade.<\/p>\n \u201cBut my job is to kind of come into a great opportunity for me. Obviously, the last few years have been rough, just with injuries. But for myself personally, I feel great again. I feel like I\u2019ve turned that corner of dealing with injuries and now kind of reestablishing myself from a physical standpoint again. And with that, I can carry it over to the court.\u201d<\/p>\n Boston isn\u2019t asking George to literally replace Brown, but expectations will still be significant.<\/p>\n George also made it clear he\u2019s not going to steal the spotlight from Tatum.<\/p>\n \u201cWe have a superstar, and that\u2019s JT,\u201d PG said. \u201cI\u2019m not here to necessarily steal the shine or try to reinvent who I am. I\u2019m here to help JT, and he\u2019s the guy. I played alongside another superstar wing, and we coexisted beautifully. I see that with myself. I see that with JT being able to play off him, being able to help him, being able to kind of still be a mentor.<\/p>\n \u201cI can play off another superstar wing and still bring a presence, and still be on the side of doing everything to win.\u201d<\/p>\n He joins a reworked Celtics roster alongside fellow offseason additions Mike Conley and Mitchell Robinson, with George expected to play a major role next to Jayson Tatum.<\/p>\n Tatum is entering his first full season since tearing his Achilles in May 2025, while George will be looking to reestablish himself after his own injury issues.<\/p>\n Conley believes the arrival of two veterans still chasing their first championship could also provide Boston with another source of motivation.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s two guys who haven\u2019t had a chance to win a championship,\u201d Conley said, according to ESPN. \u201cSo, it\u2019s that sense of urgency that maybe reignites that for the guys who\u2019ve been on this team, who\u2019ve already won it.\u201d<\/p>\n READ MORE: Kawhi Leonard Blockbuster Return to Toronto Official<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n