Hardwood Houdini
Fansided

Paul George Most Likely A Rental For Celtics

By Harry Bachrach

Apr 23, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana Pacers forward Paul George (13) points during a game against the Cleveland Cavaliers in game four of the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Cleveland defeats Indiana 106-102. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 23, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana Pacers forward Paul George (13) points during a game against the Cleveland Cavaliers in game four of the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Cleveland defeats Indiana 106-102. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

If Danny Ainge is able is land Paul George, it will be hard convincing him to re-sign.

There are two questions to consider when examining the possibility of Paul George in Boston long term. What have the Celtics done to show George he should make a career in Boston? Second, what do the Celtics have to entice George to re-sign?

The first question can be answered with hard facts. While fans are overjoyed at the quick rebuild and Ainge’s bevy of assets, the Celtics proved last season they’re not a true championship contender. Slugging through a 7 game series with the Washington Wizards and then losing 4-1 in the Eastern Conference Finals to the Cleveland Cavaliers does not make them a contender or to be considered “close” to a championship.

More from Celtics News

For the Celtics to be a championship contender, you would need to believe they can win a conference finals, presumably against the Cavaliers. George probably wants to feel confident that if he is not going home to L.A., he will be going to a title contender.

Also, the Celtics have not shown over a long stretch of time to be a free-agent destination. They are primarily built through the draft and trades. I imagine part of the reason George prefers the Los Angeles Lakers is because it is a place players want to play. Players are usually attracted to warm-weathered cities, super stars, and established coaches (Gregg Popovich).

Right now, Boston does not have two of the three. (I consider Brad Stevens an established coach and asset.) It would be wise for George is give Boston a hard look considering they can offer one of the best trade packages, but he might not be as curious about committing to Celtics lore given Larry Bird was the Indiana Pacers President of Basketball Operations.

The Celtics have a lot of promise. Unfortunately, George might want more than a promise of winning in the next couple of years. The Cavaliers and LeBron James offer a better chance at an immediate title if they can facilitate a 3-team trade.

ESPN’s Michael Smith submits George might be enticed by playing alongside Gordon Hayward. If we look at James’ move to the Miami Heat or Kevin Durant’s move to the Golden State Warriors, it showed in part two players who enjoyed the friendship their potential new teammates. George has not made it known, like James or Durant, that he wants to play with Hayward or any of the Celtics for personal or professional reasons. Similarly, George knows as well as the public, Hayward is not a sure bet to sign with the Celtics.

Next: Roster Implications of Adding Hayward and George

I’m not trying to tear down all hope of Celtics greatness. The Celtics have great team chemistry, a savvy coach and general manager, and the ability to play at an elite level on both ends of the floor. However, the idea that George signing in hopes of playing with Hayward is a stretch and the idea that George, alone, would put the Celtics over the top is not realistic. For the Celtics to have both the Hayward and George deals work out means a lot of puzzle pieces have to fall into place.

Home/Celtics News