Paul George’s move to the Boston Celtics ahead of the 2026-27 NBA season has generated significant attention, as the veteran forward returns to a team he notably challenged during last year’s playoffs. George, who turned 36 on the day of Game 7 in the Celtics’ seven-game first-round series against the Philadelphia 76ers, was instrumental in Philadelphia’s comeback, averaging 17.4 points per game while shooting an efficient 48.9 percent from the field and an impressive 55 percent from three-point range.
George’s recent career has been marked by injury setbacks and suspensions. A left knee injury sidelined him for 20 regular-season games in 2025-26, and a suspension accounted for another 25 missed contests. Despite these challenges, his playoff performance against Boston signaled that he still possesses the ability to play at a high level. Speaking at his introductory press conference with the Celtics, George acknowledged the physical limitations that have come with age but emphasized his improved health and readiness to contribute. “I was feeling good. I felt that I was able to do all the things out there to gain an advantage or be a weapon,” he said.
The Celtics’ willingness to trade Jaylen Brown in July underscored their belief that George can be a valuable asset this season. However, at 36 years old, the primary concern remains whether George can stay healthy and maintain consistent availability. Since turning 29 prior to the 2019-20 season, George has missed nearly 40 percent of games due to injuries, including issues with his left knee, ankle, groin, and finger. The upcoming season marks the first time since 2023-24 that George has entered the opener fully available, following surgeries and recovery periods that delayed his previous season starts.
George enters his 17th NBA season as one of the league’s remaining active players from the 2010 draft class. His longevity is notable given that only about five percent of NBA players reach age 36 actively playing. The physical wear of a long career is common, and George has acknowledged the mental and physical challenges of managing his body. “Past couple years have been rough from a physical standpoint, and obviously that weighs on you mentally when you want to do things that you know your body has a limitation to,” he said, adding that he has dedicated considerable effort to his physical condition during the summer.
In a broader historical context, George’s scoring averages over the last two seasons—17.3 points per game last season and 16.2 the year before—reflect a decline from his previous peak, when he averaged at least 20 points per game for nine consecutive seasons from 2015-16 through 2023-24. While a late-career scoring resurgence may be unlikely, maintaining averages close to last year’s could place him among the top 15 age-36 scorers in NBA history.
George’s return to Boston represents more than just a continuation of his career; it is, in his words, “almost like a rebirth” within a system and culture that he believes can optimize his contributions while supporting team success.