While some Boston Celtics fans are warming up to Paul George’s unexpected arrival, the NBA world at large is still having fun at the veteran forward’s expense.
On Tuesday, Celtics superstar Jayson Tatum shared footage of his latest workout with George and his Boston teammates on Instagram, prompting ruthless ridicule.
NBA World Clowns Paul George, New-Look Celtics As Team’s Practice Footage Circulates
Boston made what many considered the most perplexing move of the offseason when it traded star wing Jaylen Brown, fresh off a top-six MVP finish, to the Philadelphia 76ers for an aging George and draft capital.
While the 36-year-old has since vowed to give it his all and “represent” for the Celtics, the blockbuster deal remains a constant lightning rod for mockery.
Legion Hoops shared Tatum’s post on X on Tuesday, which features George taking a defender off the dribble and gliding to the hoop for a dunk. The caption read:
“New look Celtics putting in work in LA… don’t sleep on Boston this year.”
New look Celtics putting in work in LA… don’t sleep on Boston this year. 👀 pic.twitter.com/U7H4LLly6p
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) September 2, 2026
As expected, the NBA community, including some Celtics fans, made it abundantly clear that they are still comfortably sleeping on George and Co.
“I’m already in my 3rd dream,” one user quipped.
Im already in my 3rd dream
— Philondelphia (@LabronPhilly) September 2, 2026
“I’m snoring,” another added.
I’m snoring
— Big Rome 🚀 (@LONDO87540615) September 2, 2026
“As a Celtics fan:” one Boston supporter captioned a sleeping GIF.
as a celtics fan: pic.twitter.com/nriW22AfzT
— itsweenertime (@itsweenertime) September 2, 2026
“Nah, we sleeping tight lol,” another piled on.
Aside from a flood of sleeping jokes, others vividly underscored just how underwhelmed they are by the Celtics’ overhauled roster, which also features offseason additions Mike Conley and Mitchell Robinson.
“Looks like a retirement home,” one fan jested.
Looks like a retirement home
— Jalen Hurts 👑🐐 (@PhillyCentral2) September 2, 2026
“44-38. AT BEST,” another predicted.
“Brother, I’m a Celtics fan, and I’m here to tell you they’re not doing [expletive]. Love my boys doe,” a Boston supporter conceded.
The Celtics are coming off a 56-win season spearheaded by Brown’s team-best scoring average of 28.7 points per game. However, they ultimately fizzled out in the 2026 playoffs, blowing a 3-1 lead to George’s then-76ers in Round 1.
MORE: ‘I Want Blood’ — Jaylen Brown Reveals Ruthless ‘Mentality’ After Surprise Celtics-76ers Trade
The hope for Boston is that George’s 3-point shooting prowess (39.2% last season) and ability to thrive off-ball, combined with the long-term financial relief of moving off the remainder of Brown’s massive five-year, $285.4 million contract, could make the trade pay off.
Still, parting ways with a franchise cornerstone in the middle of his prime for a player on the downswing of his career remains a major gamble. If the Celtics get off to a slow start in George’s first season in Boston, the backlash is almost sure to reach a fever pitch.
