The Boston Celtics traded Jaylen Brown to land Paul George, but they quickly find out that the nine-time All-Star is no longer a superstar. He was elite during his prime. PG could drop 23 points, seven rebounds, and five assists every night, while being near the top of the NBA in steals. Kids grew up wanting to be like George, but the 36-year-old wasn’t that same player in his two years with the Philadelphia 76ers.
PG saw his shot attempts and free throws decrease. He accepted more of a 3-and-D role instead of trying to take over as a true star. The 6’8 forward is entering his 17th NBA season. He is a 17-point-per-game scorer now and has a lengthy injury history. Boston can’t expect him to be an All-Star. They need him to play a role in head coach Joe Mazzulla’s system, where he is an even better fit than Brown.
This trade will be debated for years as the draft capital involved stretches through 2031. It seemed like a light return for the player who just finished sixth in MVP voting. Hopefully, Boston isn’t expecting prime PG, or they will quickly find out exactly what they got.
Celtics will soon find out Paul George is no longer a superstar
PG played outstanding defense on Brown and the Celtics in the playoffs as he sank virtually everything. He shot 49.3 percent from 3-point range in the postseason, but he still averaged just 16.4 points per game. That is outstanding for a role player, but it is far from max contract or superstar production.
There are more questions than answers on Boston’s plans with Brown in Philadelphia. They have a clear need for a number two option and just found out that Derrick White isn’t the answer in that role. The smartest strategy is a by-committee approach. George is no longer a star, and several players can step up incrementally to fill the void left by Brown.
George is still a productive player. He produced a 1.1 value over replacemet player (VORP) in just 37 games last season. PG had a 0.108 win shares per 48 minutes, with 0.1 being league average. The 36-year-old will help the Celtics win, but it must be in more of a 3-and-D role than him taking over for Brown.
PG broke out in 2013 and spent 12 years as one of the league’s best players. He is a nine-time All-Star, six-time All-NBA player, and has earned four All-Defensive honors. George is a near lock to make the Hall of Fame, but he is declining. The Celtics got a productive player. They just can’t expect him to be a superstar. Not at his age with his injury history.
The Sixers signed George to a max contract before quickly finding out he was no longer that player. His deal was viewed as one of the worst in the NBA just four months ago. A strong playoff run and a willingness to buy into a lesser role boosted his value. Boston just can’t expect him to suddenly go back to being a star, but at least, he is productive in a lesser role.
The Boston Celtics got a quality role player and four draft picks for Jaylen Brown. Paul George will help them win, but he can’t replace Brown. This was a bold move by Brad Stevens and the front office that could backfire. George has to stay healthy and contribute. If he’s spacing the floor, playing stout defense, and being efficient, the Celtics will have no complaints.
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