If Paul George is tasked with replacing Jaylen Brown, then the Boston Celtics could be in for a long 2026-27 season. It's not that George isn't talented enough to do so, but he's 36 years of age and last averaged at least 20.0 points per game in 2023-24.
If one removes the context that the Celtics effectively traded Brown for George as far as present-day assets are concerned, however, then it's clear that the new addition is a perfect fit for Joe Mazzulla.
George ranks among the most gifted players in NBA history when factoring in how unique his combination of size, skill, and fluidity truly is. Even at 36, he glides around the court with a creative and controlled handle, range on his jumper, and the ability to score from anywhere at a listed height of 6'8".
A career 38.4 percent three-point shooter who balances volume and efficiency, George should thrive in the Celtics' jumper-happy offensive system.
What truly pushes the excitement over the edge is that George has also spent his career as one of the best perimeter defenders of his generation. He can match up against players at multiple positions, balancing off-ball disruption with on-ball tenacity.
Alongside Jayson Tatum, George will have a chance to form a forward pairing that borders on not having a single weakness from a pure two-way skill perspective.
Paul George's style of play and skills perfectly fit the Celtics
It's a known truth that Mazzulla likes to slow things down and create shots from beyond the arc. This past season, the Celtics ranked dead last in the NBA in pace and No. 4 in three-point field goal attempts. In 2024-25, Boston was No. 29 in pace and No. 1 in threes attempted.
Those two facets of the Celtics' system certainly seem advantageous to a 36-year-old veteran in George who boasts a career average of 6.8 three-point field goal attempts per game.
The area in which George should help Boston the most in that regard is in generating more catch-and-shoot opportunities. It ranked No. 15 in catch-and-shoot three-point field goal attempts in 2025-26, which was a departure from its long-established strategy. For perspective: It ranked No. 2 in 2024-25 and No. 3 in 2023-24.
George, meanwhile, shot 41.7 percent on 4.5 catch-and-shoot threes in 2025-26, 38.0 percent on 3.3 attempts in 2024-25, and 45.4 percent on 4.4 attempts in 2023-24.
Paul George checks every box for Celtics from a skill perspective
On the other end of the floor, George has maintained his quality. In 2025-26, he ranked in the 74th percentile in both perimeter isolation defense and off-ball chaser defense. George also averaged 1.7 steals per game and 2.0 swipes per 36 minutes.
In a system with rim protectors Mitchell Robinson and Neemias Queta, George's on-ball proficiency and off-ball commitment and playmaking should make him an excellent fit.
The final piece of the puzzle is one that actually does tie back into the decision to trade Brown—to an extent. George may not score with the same volume as the Celtics' former go-to scorer, but he ranked in the 91st percentile in one on one shot making in 2025-26.
If George can continue to thrive as a catch-and-shoot specialist, shot creator, and defender, then the Celtics should be the perfect team for him. They simply shouldn't expect the same volume as Brown provided.
Add us as a preferred source on Google