Paul George addressed the mixed reaction from Boston Celtics fans over the trade that sent Jaylen Brown to the Philadelphia 76ers during his introductory news conference on Tuesday, acknowledging the significance of the deal while looking ahead to his new role.

"I understand my circumstances. I understand how huge JB was, not only for the organization but here in the city. So I didn't take it personal," said George. "To be honest, they should have a relationship, emotionally, to that trade. But my job is to kind of come into a great opportunity for me. Obviously, the last few years have been rough, just with injuries. But for myself personally, I feel great again. I feel like I've turned that corner of dealing with injuries and now kind of reestablishing myself from a physical standpoint again. And with that, I can carry it over to the court."

George joins Boston alongside offseason acquisitions Mitchell Robinson and Mike Conley as part of president of basketball operations Brad Stevens' effort to bolster the roster around Jayson Tatum. Tatum is entering his first full season since tearing his Achilles tendon in May 2025, an injury that also sidelined him for Boston's Game 7 first-round playoff loss to George and the 76ers last season.

Robinson, fresh off winning a championship with the Knicks, missed Tuesday's news conference for a personal matter. Conley will be entering his 20th NBA season with his fourth franchise. Stevens said he has been encouraged by workouts among the three newcomers and returning players ahead of training camp, which begins in two weeks.

Stevens also reflected on the symbolism of the franchise's annual season launch event Monday, where a single image was displayed behind him: a photo of the TD Garden court being refurbished.

"That happens every year right around the end of July," said Stevens. "And to me, every single year you go through it looks like the blank canvas of a court being absolutely redone. Nobody's stepped on it. And now it's that year's team. To write its own chapter. And I felt that way every time they do it."

Conley said he believes he and George can provide leadership and immediate motivation for a Celtics roster that has already won a championship.

"It's two guys who haven't had a chance to win a championship," said Conley. "So, it's that sense of urgency that maybe reignites that for the guys who've been on this team, who've already won it."

George reiterated that the injury issues that affected his tenures with the LA Clippers and 76ers, including knee surgery before last season, are behind him.

"It's a new group, a new opportunity," said George. "I think they're getting someone that's ready to, not fill the shoes or fill the void of JB, but I think from a personal standpoint myself, I think I can come in and kind of still keep us in that contention. Give us a chance to win."