The Boston Celtics are looking to replicate the Al Horford success story with their new star forward, Paul George. Integrating George effectively is a primary focus. His arrival, in exchange for Jaylen Brown, brings a future Hall of Famer to Boston in the latter stages of his career, mirroring Horford's impactful return in 2021.
Brad Stevens' first major move as president of basketball operations was bringing back Al Horford. That decision proved brilliant. Horford was 35 when he returned. Paul George begins his Celtics journey at age 36. There's a real chance George becomes a wing version of Horford for this era. His elite shooting and defensive skills are a perfect match for the current roster.
George, like Horford, is an ageing veteran whose All-Star days are behind him. He seems ready to embrace a role-player designation that maximizes his specific talents. The goal is for him to thrive as an overqualified piece within a larger system, not as the primary engine.
Two main obstacles stand out. First, health is a constant concern. Over the last five seasons, George has averaged just 48 regular-season games. That's a stark number. However, his playoff availability is better. He's played in 125 of a possible 131 career postseason games.
Second, the Celtics won't rely on George as heavily as they did Horford. The team unfairly burdened Horford with the fate of the entire frontcourt due to injuries to Robert Williams, Kristaps Porzingis, and others. The 2026-27 Celtics have deep, athletic wing players who can keep George's minutes in check.
Expect a strict load management plan. The team will likely limit him to around 28 minutes per game. They might also use a version of Horford's old injury designation for back-to-back sets. The recent playoff series where George tormented the Celtics on both ends shows his elite level when healthy.
He entered this offseason in good health for the first time in years. If the Celtics can get that version of Paul George for the playoffs, a 48-game regular season is a trade-off they'll gladly accept.
Paul George is that presence. His skill set is built for playoff basketball. He can space the floor, defend multiple positions, and make connective plays. The Celtics' young wing depth means he won't have to carry the load every night. This setup is designed to keep him fresh for when it matters most. Fans can track the team's progress and upcoming schedule on our schedule page.
The blueprint is clear. It worked for Al Horford, transforming him into a playoff cheat code. Now, the Boston Celtics are applying the same plan to unlock the best of Paul George.
