Although Paul George has yet to don a Boston Celtics uniform in an official game, his influence on the team is already evident. The nine-time All-Star has been engaging with his new teammates, particularly forward Jordan Walsh, who has expressed eagerness to learn from the veteran ahead of their first season together.
In a recent interview with Celtics.com’s Taylor Snow, Walsh shared insights into his interactions with George. The two players have spent time together and are planning to work out in Boston, demonstrating George's commitment to helping his teammates develop their skills. Walsh remarked, “I got to meet with PG for a while in L.A. And I’ve texted with him a couple of times saying, ‘Hey, when you get to Boston, let’s get a workout in.’ There are some things that I want to learn, especially now that I’m adding so many things to my game. Like I want to add a mid-range pull-up, and you’re really good at that. So like, help me to get there.”
Walsh's desire to improve his game reflects the mentorship role that George is expected to play for the Celtics. His experience and skill set make him an ideal resource for younger players like Walsh, who are looking to enhance their offensive capabilities. The forward noted that the conversations and collaborative work with George are invaluable, emphasizing the importance of having a veteran presence on the team.
In addition to Walsh, other Celtics players, including Jayson Tatum, Mike Conley, Peyton Pritchard, Sam Hauser, and Derrick White, participated in a workout session in Los Angeles, which Tatum shared on social media. The camaraderie and dedication displayed by the Celtics during the offseason suggest that the team is focused on building chemistry and improving their performance for the upcoming season.
George, who joins the Celtics with an impressive 16-year career in the NBA, brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the team. Throughout his career, he has established himself as one of the league's premier forwards, earning nine All-Star selections, six All-NBA selections, and four All-Defensive selections. Additionally, he was recognized as the Most Improved Player and was a finalist for both the MVP and Defensive Player of the Year awards during the 2018-19 season.
At 36 years old, George remains a formidable two-way player, capable of making significant contributions on both ends of the court. While it may be unrealistic to expect Walsh to replicate George's success, the opportunity to learn from such a seasoned player could be instrumental in Walsh's development as he aims to become a more complete offensive threat.
As the Celtics prepare for the upcoming season, George's presence is likely to have a lasting impact on the team's dynamics and performance. His ability to mentor younger players like Walsh could prove crucial as Boston seeks to enhance its competitive edge in the NBA.
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