‘Breath of Fresh Air,’ ‘Set JT Up for Failure’ — NBA World Conflicted As Paul George Deflects ‘Superstar’ Question, Puts Spotlight on Jayson Tatum

Paul George embraced a grounded, self-aware mentality during his introductory press conference with the Boston Celtics on Tuesday as he spoke about carrying the torch as Jayson Tatum’s new co-star.

While many fans welcomed George’s team-first mindset, others were put off by the nine-time All-Star seemingly downplaying his arrival to Boston.

Boston delivered what many pundits considered the offseason’s biggest surprise in early July by shipping longtime franchise cornerstone Jaylen Brown, fresh off a career year, to the Philadelphia 76ers, a division rival. In return, the Celtics received George, two first-round picks (2028, 2031), and two second-round selections (2028, 2030).

Given that Boston is just two years removed from an NBA title and coming off a 56-win season, albeit one that culminated in a first-round playoff upset at the hands of Philadelphia, the deal was widely panned.

George’s age (36), extensive injury history, and hefty contract ($54.1 million in the 2026-27 season) further fueled confusion, with follow-up reports indicating the Celtics wanted to make Tatum their clear-cut focal point.

When asked Tuesday if he still expects to “be a superstar over the course of a full season” in Boston, George swiftly shifted the focus to Tatum.

“We have a superstar, and that’s JT. 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,” George said.

“I’ve played alongside another superstar wing, and we co-existed 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, so that alone, I can play off another superstar wing and still bring a presence.”

The selfless remark inspired confidence among a large portion of the Celtics’ fan base, including those who felt Brown had ulterior motives.

“Breath of fresh air omg,” one fan wrote.

“Elite answer, welcome to Boston, PG,” another reacted.

“I’m sold, let’s move, he knows the assignment,” one supporter commended George.

“He’s perfect,” another Boston fan declared.

“Jaylen Brown would never,” one more chimed in.

However, some weren’t as optimistic, especially given George’s lucrative salary.

“If Kawhi [Leonard] and PG couldn’t get it done, what makes you think JT and PG can? The Celtics set JT up for failure,” one X user claimed.

“Getting paid what he’s paid to say [expletive] like this is crazy,” another asserted.

“Aka NO!” one fan pushed back.

“Didn’t ask that, buddy. I think even JT wants u to believe u still can be a superstar,” another jeered.

To George’s point, he averaged just 16.7 points per game on 43.4% shooting over two seasons with the 76ers, so superstar expectations during his age-36 campaign would be unwarranted. In contrast, Brown averaged a career-high 28.7 ppg on 47.7% shooting last season and finished sixth in MVP voting.

MORE:‘Fanbase Don’t Want To Hear That Nonsense’ — Celtics’ NBA Champion Rips Paul George for ‘Superstar’ Comments

Still, if the Celtics can coalesce around Tatum and benefit from George’s 3-point shooting prowess (39.2% last season) and ability to play off-ball, they should remain a viable threat in the increasingly competitive Eastern Conference.

This article originally appeared on Pro Football Network.