Paul George’s two-season stint with the Philadelphia 76ers is officially done, ripped up earlier this summer when he got shipped off to the Boston Celtics. This wasn’t some quiet move, either. It was part of a blockbuster trade that sent Jaylen Brown to Philly, and let’s just say, George’s arrival in Boston has some fans scratching their heads, and maybe even a little more than that.
He Used to Be The Guy Who Sent Boston Home
Think about it: George spent two seasons with the Sixers, and yeah, it was kinda rough with injuries. But when it mattered most, during the opening round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs, he stepped up huge for Nick Nurse’s squad. Remember that? He helped the Sixers claw back from a 3-1 deficit and straight-up *eliminate* Boston. That was just last season! Now, here he is, on September 15, sitting in his introductory news conference, wearing Celtics green. Talk about awkward.
Paul George Gets Why Celtics Fans Are Giving Him Side-Eye
When the Boston media grilled him about landing in Celtics territory after all that, and how fans were kinda giving him the cold shoulder, George didn’t duck the questions. He gave well-thought-out answers, and he didn’t pull any punches. “Listen, I understand the circumstances,” George said, completely owning it. “I understand how huge JB was not only for the organization, but here in the city…To be honest, it’s (the pushback on his arrival) fair.” He knows Jaylen Brown was a legend there, so he gets the lukewarm reception. That’s real talk from a guy who knows what it means to be the enemy, and now, the unexpected ally.
Meanwhile, back in Philly, Sixers fans are absolutely buzzing. They’re not just getting Brown out of that trade, they also landed LeBron James in free agency! We’re talking about a legitimate super team here, and a genuine shot at a title run. George’s two seasons with the Sixers saw him average 16.7 points, 5.3 rebounds, 4 assists, and 1.8 steals per game across 78 regular-season contests, shooting 37.5 percent from deep. For him, his time with the Sixers might not have ended with a ring, but his tenure directly led to getting Brown, and for that, Philly fans will definitely be thankful. Now, George has to prove himself all over again, but this time, in a city that just watched him send their team packing. His first season in Celtics green is going to be wild, no doubt.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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