The Celtics introduced Mike Conley Jr. and Paul George on Tuesday. One word should stand out to you.
On Tuesday, the Boston Celtics introduced offseason acquisitions Paul George and Mike Conley Jr. to the media for the first time.
Mitchell Robinson, signed to a three-year deal in the offseason, was supposed to be there as well, but wasn't available because of "personal reasons."
There was a lot to take from the press conferences, but the word you should pay most attention to is "urgency." As noted by Taylor Snow of the Celtics, Conley spoke about the "sense of urgency" that both he and George have to win the first titles of their careers.
Conley added that that "sense of urgency" will carry them through and allow them to push the Celtics each day.
Should the Celtics really need a sense of urgency?
It's an interesting question. On one hand, the core of this team: Jayson Tatum, Payton Pritchard, Derrick White and Sam Hauser - have won a title before (2023-24). They don't have the pressure to get some lengthy title drought off their shoulders. Mitchell Robinson just won a title in New York last season. He also shouldn't be feeling pressure.
Boston Celtics guard Mike Conley (45) speaks during a press conference at The Auerbach Center at Boston Landing. Eric Canha-Imagn ImagesThat said, it's human nature to be complacent and comfortable when you don't have that pressure. We're not saying that the Celtics have gotten complacent because of past accomplishment, but it would be human nature if they did. And it's fair to think that Conley and George can come in and remind everyone what's at stake, given that they've never won a title before. The two of them have nearly 40 years of combined NBA experience.
One thing to note
Even beyond the help of the veterans, I do believe that this team will have a motivation quality to them. They'll all will want to prove that they can win and succeed without Jaylen Brown. That will be especially true for Jayson Tatum, who finally has the top billing on this team.
He's always played second fiddle to the likes of Gordon Hayward, Kyrie Irving, Kemba Walker, and Al Horford, or he's been part of an ensemble cast with Kristaps Porzingis, Brown and Jrue Holiday. It's finally his time, and I think everyone will be motivated to prove that they can win on their own.
Up next
The Celtics will begin training camp on Sept. 29 and the preseason schedule will begin on Oct. 8. It's a quick preseason: Just four games, and then the regular season begins when the Celtics travel to the Detroit Pistons on Oct. 20.
