Welcome to Boston, Now Don’t Screw It Up

The boys are finally here.

Paul George and Mike Conley had their introductory conference with the Boston media on Wednesday, with Mitchell Robinson absent due to a personal issue. After a fiery offseason with the departure of Jaylen Brown, a move I’ve come to terms with, it’s time to get introduced to our offseason acquisitions.

First things first, credit to Paul George for coming right out and addressing the elephant in the room on the very first question. He had some spectacular answers throughout the conference, but to be direct about the reaction, understanding what it’s like for a town to lose a figure like that, and recognizing that it wasn’t personal is a great sign.

He’s a vet, and back in his Pacers days, he was one of my favorite players. He’s always been a stand-up guy, and that wasn’t lost on him, even though the fans of Boston (myself included) gave him a wide-open window to take a shot at us or say, “Hell, prove us wrong.” He took it for what it was and is ready to put his full effort into a winning season in the Green.

Welcome to Boston, PG13.

Mike Conley, what can I say other than you’re a great guy and a superb teammate. But I don’t think anyone is expecting a single thing from you. Happy you’re on the team. Better you take a roster spot than some no-name G-Leaguer, but I couldn’t care less about what you say. Great smile, though. I figure you’ll be a great vet.

Disappointed Robinson couldn’t be here for this. I’m sure he had a legitimate reason, but he was just the most likely guy to say something stupid. Guy is hilarious. He better hit his damn free throws, though.

Joe Mazzulla did not want to be here. Going so far as to admit it on 98.5 Zolak and Bertrand: “They could have done that without me.”

Never change, Coach. Never change.

I don’t like to dive too deeply into introductory press conferences, but it was a good sign. The right things were said, and basketball is right around the corner.

Might have to cop a Paul George Celtics jersey. Or maybe just put a piece of tape over my old Enes Kanter one.

I mean, Freedom.

Guy’s a woman now. Can you believe it?