Boston Celtics wing Paul George delivered an unexpectedly upbeat assessment of his physical condition during his introductory press conference on Tuesday, telling reporters that he feels he has finally turned a corner regarding his extensive injury history. Speaking alongside new teammate Mike Conley Jr., the 36-year-old veteran addressed media members for the first time since joining the franchise in a blockbuster offseason trade that sent Jaylen Brown to the Philadelphia 76ers.
Over the last five NBA seasons, George has surpassed 65 games played only once, battling a series of persistent setbacks. Last year’s total dropped to 37 appearances, affected by both injuries and a 25-game suspension for taking an improper medication. However, George argued that his late-season layoff actually served as a physical reset, comparing the enforced break to a dog being let off a leash.
“Obviously, the last two years have been rough just with injuries,” George stated during the press conference. “But for myself personally, I feel great again. I feel like I’ve turned that corner of dealing with injuries, and now re-establishing myself from a physical standpoint again.”
Managing the Rotation and Expectations in Boston
Head coach Joe Mazzulla has an array of young wings and depth pieces who can shoulder minutes and allow for strategic load management, including Hugo Gonzalez, Baylor Scheierman, Ron Harper Jr., Jordan Walsh, and veteran shooter Sam Hauser.
This organizational flexibility could prove vital as the Celtics navigate the regular season while managing Jayson Tatum’s ongoing recovery from an Achilles issue alongside Payton Pritchard’s versatility in the backcourt. George’s arrival follows his strong performances against Boston in the playoffs this past spring, where he routinely hit difficult perimeter jumpers and played solid defense as Philadelphia overturned a 3-1 deficit.
Looking Ahead to Opening Night
The Celtics open their 2026-27 regular season campaign on October 20 against the Detroit Pistons. George will be tasked with winning over a fanbase still adjusting to the departure of Brown, but a healthy campaign from the six-time All-NBA selection would provide the league’s winningest franchise with a major boost on the wing.
Worth a look
