BOSTON — An unfortunate part of sports and the way fans and pundits take in the game is that there often has to be labels for players. A successful team can't simply exist and win together. Every roster, especially in basketball, has to have "a guy." There must be a Batman and a Robin on a team, or the media will create them on its own.
This dilemma plagued the Boston Celtics for years, as people argued over whether superstar Jayson Tatum or former Celtics superstar Jaylen Brown was "the guy" in Beantown. While bickering about this, many commentators lost sight of the fact that both of these players were integral to the success of the organization. Regardless, Brown was traded this summer to the rival Philadelphia 76ers, bringing in nine-time
All-Star Paul George (along with a couple of first-round and second-round picks) in return.
Paul George on if he considers himself a superstar:
— Daniel Donabedian (@danield1214) September 15, 2026
“We have a superstar, that’s JT.”
“He’s the guy…I can play off another superstar wing and still bring a presence and still be on the side of doing everything to win.” pic.twitter.com/nSJkiJ8FAe
Before outsiders could label and divide the new-look Celtics, George put the conversations surrounding "the guy" to rest. On Tuesday afternoon at the Auerbach Center, the veteran wing stated that Tatum is Boston's go-to star.
"We have a superstar, and that's JT," George said during his introductory press conference. "I'm not here to necessarily steal the shine or try to reinvent who I am. I'm here to help JT, and he's the guy, right? I played alongside another superstar wing, and we coexisted beautifully. And so 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."
As part of the Los Angeles Clippers, George teamed up with superstar wing Kawhi Leonard. And although that partnership didn't produce a championship, the Clippers were often in the playoff mix when George and Leonard were healthy.
Unfortunately, the two former Clippers shared a spotty injury history in L.A. George, who turned 36 years old last May, did emphasize that he feels healthier than usual heading into his first season with the Celtics.
"From the injury standpoint, I mean you play the game, play the game as hard as you can," he began. "Injuries happen. Just hope that's behind me...I feel great, I feel amazing, and that's all I can think on. I haven't felt like this in a very long time coming into a season, and that alone is a win for me. And so now, it's about building and having an expectation to be ready to build with the season starting."
Paul George on his health heading into the season:
— Daniel Donabedian (@danield1214) September 15, 2026
“I feel really good physically. I've worked hard this summer. My body has naturally just healed…It's almost like a kind of rebirth…to be in a winning culture, a winning environment, and to feel good.”
Q via @GwashburnGlobe pic.twitter.com/iivoqnQ86o
George's best days are likely behind him, however, the future Hall of Famer did help the Sixers eliminate the C's last postseason. His 3-point shot was super efficient and he has the tools to be a strong, complementary threat next to Tatum.
"I can play off another superstar wing and still bring a presence and still be on the side of doing everything to win," George said.
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This article originally appeared on Celtics Wire: Paul George on his role with Celtics: I'm here to help JT
