Moving FORWARD: Paul George, Mitchell Robinson fit, Derrick White Bounce-back

Moving FORWARD: Paul George, Mitchell Robinson fit, Derrick White Bounce-back

July 21, 2026



Moving FORWARD: Paul George, Mitchell Robinson fit, Derrick White Bounce-back

Boston Celtics face a new era after the Jaylen Brown trade—can Paul George and Mitchell Robinson fill the void and keep championship hopes alive? Jayson Tatum is expected to shoulder more offensive load and face tougher defenses, while Derrick White’s shooting consistency and Payton Pritchard’s steady ball-handling take on heightened importance. Does the revamped roster improve spacing, speed, and rim protection enough to offset the star power they lost?

John Karalis of Celtics On SI explores how the Celtics plan to maximize “possession maxing” with fewer turnovers, more ball movement, and increased contributions from promising young players like Baylor Scheierman, Jordan Walsh, and Neemias Queta. The conversation also spotlights Mitchell Robinson’s defensive presence, the growth of internal development pieces, and why Boston’s role players must step up to close the gap left by Brown’s departure. Will this new formula be enough for the Celtics to remain contenders in the East?

0:00 Looking Ahead: Celtics Future
1:00 Paul George & Mitchell Robinson Fit
10:04 Impact of Possession Maximization
15:17 Spotlight: Tatum, White, Pritchard
21:21 Internal Development: Young Core
27:21 Rookies & Breakout Candidates

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Locked On Celtics is a daily Boston Celtics podcast by Celtics On SI beat writer John Karalis. It’s an inside look at the C’s from a former professional basketball player who is at practices & games.

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View Comments (21)

  5. @John next season is really 4 fold for me. (1) How does JT look (2) Is DW washed as he looked in the playoffs..(3) which young players get time or step up or look good (4) what do they get for trading Paul George after next season. Honorable Mention what did those "picks" we got now turn into. I also think a C of Mitchell Robinson and our returning C pair up as they could be dominant on the glass and defense in the paint now

  6. Derrick white has always been better with lineups with Tatum and no Jaylen than with Jaylen and no Tatum. Tatum opens everyone up for more catch and shoot opportunities.

  11. I saw the thumbnail and for a second thought: “why are we still talking about the Knic-oh yeah that’s right”. ☘️🔒

  12. The last two years were PGs worst (since he emerged in his third year). The numbers are the same as Derrick’s career highs. So, hopefully Paul is still better than Derrick — when healthy. Paul is 36, Derrick is 32. Here’s hoping Paul makes his 10th AS game this season.

  13. I'd take ron over walsh. And yes i'd rather move hauser to the bench. Start baylor. We need a POA defender and corner crasher in the starting lineup. George can take on the hauser role.

  14. Jaylen next to Tatum rarely averaged more than 24ppg and you really not replacing 28 ppg Jaylen because u have Tatum playing that role now.. A lower usage number 2 prob is fine averaging 18-21 ppg along side white Pritchard and the rest. Tatum getting back to prime form and usage will also play a big factor

  20. John I would love to do a show with you. I'm a frequent caller on 98.5 the Sports
    HUB. Hugo Gonzalez 12 pts 9 reb 5 assist and 3 steals next year per game average.
    Chris IN Hartford

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