Category: Audio/Video

Ex-Boston Celtics point guard Isaiah Thomas on being picked last in the NBA draft

Hear what The King in the Fourth had to say about his NBA origin story.

Former Boston Celtics point guard Isaiah Thomas was picked dead last in his draft class, but instead of letting that get under his skin, he turned the script upside down and made the most of his situation upon entering the NBA.

In a recent interview with the folks behind the “Through the Wire” podcast, the onetime King in the Fourth shared his experience as the last pick in the NBA draft and his time with his first team in the league, the Sacramento Kings. Despite being underestimated, the Pacific Northwest native felt like he might as well have been the No. 1 overall pick when he was finally selected by the Kings.

Thomas expressed gratitude to Sacramento for giving him an opportunity and embraces the city and its fans in addition to his love for Boston fans if perhaps less so their front office given how that relationship ended.

Take a look at the clip embedded above to hear what The Pizza Guy had to say about his NBA origin story.

Listen to the “Celtics Lab” podcast on:

Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3zBKQY6

Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3GfUPFi

YouTube: https://bit.ly/3F9DvjQ

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Dennis Johnson’s secret defensive technique revealed by former teammate Dee Brown

Boston alum Dee Brown reveals DJ’s defensive secret — how did he get so many steals late in games?

While he might not have been the most famous member of the Boston Celtics during their era of dominance in the mid-1980s, point guard Dennis Johnson and his defense in particular were a key part of Banners 16 and 17.

In a recent episode from “Showtime with Michael Cooper,” former Boston standout Dee Brown shocks Coop when he reveals DJ’s defensive secret: How did he get so many steals late in games? The 1991 dunk contest winner explains and leaves Cooper completely speechless in the process. Known for his career and understanding of the sport, Brown delves into his journey, unfolding tales from his experiences on and off the court.

Join the hosts on “Showtime with Michael Cooper” as they embark on this journey with Dee Brown.

To hear the story of how Johnson locked up his opponents so consistently on the defensive end of the court, check out the clip embedded above.

Listen to the “Celtics Lab” podcast on:

Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3zBKQY6

Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3GfUPFi

YouTube: https://bit.ly/3F9DvjQ

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Dee Brown on the end of Larry Bird Era with the Boston Celtics, Reggie Lewis – Part 2

Along with his stories, Brown discusses the evolution of the game.

From his earliest influences to his time with the Boston Celtics, Dee Brown shares anecdotes and insights that weave the fabric of his basketball life in an interview with the host of the CLNS Media “Showtime” podcast, Los Angeles Lakers legend Michael Cooper.

Along with his stories, Brown discusses the evolution of the game, comparing the strategic and stylistic differences between the basketball of his time and the modern era. Brown’s perspective illuminates aspects of the sport, giving viewers a look into the world of professional basketball. Take a deep dive into the richness of NBA history and the intricacies of the professional game in this interview.

A must-watch for every basketball enthusiast who values the roots and evolution of the game, don’t miss this chance to gain a deeper appreciation of the sport we love in the clip embedded below.

Listen to the “Celtics Lab” podcast on:

Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3zBKQY6

Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3GfUPFi

YouTube: https://bit.ly/3F9DvjQ

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What teams might tender an offer sheet for Grant Williams as a restricted free agent?

Brad Stevens has made it clear that Boston wants to bring the Tennessee alum back next season, but the unspoken part of that equation is Williams’ restricted free agency.

The NBA’s new salary cap rules agreed to in the league’s new collective bargaining agreement (CBA) make roster building and going all-in more challenging for teams like the Boston Celtics, who have a potentially tough decision to make regarding the future of reserve forward Grant Williams with the team.

Celtics team president Brad Stevens has made it clear that Boston wants to bring the Tennessee alum back next season, but the unspoken part of that equation is Williams’ restricted free agency. Is there a team out there that will offer him more than the Celtics can find a way to match? And if so, what teams might have the cap space and inclination to do so?

The host of the NBA Sports Boston “Celtics Talk” podcast Chris Forsberg recently weighed in on this concern on a recent episode.

Take a look at the clip embedded above to hear what they had to say.

Listen to the “Celtics Lab” podcast on:

Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3zBKQY6

Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3GfUPFi

YouTube: https://bit.ly/3F9DvjQ

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The best of Jaylen Brown with the Boston Celtics in the 2023 NBA playoffs

There were more than a few games during the 2023 NBA Playoffs that star Boston Celtics forward Jaylen Brown was the best player on the floor for his team.

There were more than a few games during the 2023 NBA playoffs that star Boston Celtics forward Jaylen Brown was the best player on the floor for his team, carrying the load as teammate Jayson Tatum had off nights and lingering injuries impeding his play for the Celtics.

The Georgia native might have stalled against the Miami Heat in the Eastern Conference finals this postseason, but Brown still showed growth on both ends of the floor. The former Cal standout put up 22.7 points, 5.6 rebounds, 3.4 assists and 1.1 steals per game in the playoffs while shooting 4.6% from the field overall, 35.4% from beyond the arc and a rough 68.9% from the free-throw line.

To see the best of Brown with the Celtics in the 2023 NBA playoffs, take a look at the clip embedded below put together by fan videographer Tomasz Kordylewski.

Listen to the “Celtics Lab” podcast on:

Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3zBKQY6

Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3GfUPFi

YouTube: https://bit.ly/3F9DvjQ

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Old video of Jayson Tatum praising Chris Paul as teams gear up for CP3 pursuit

It’s pretty clear Jayson Tatum would be thrilled to add him to Boston’s roster.

As speculation mounts as to where future Hall of Fame point guard Chris Paul ends up after his likely exit from the Phoenix Suns, an old interview of Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum resurfaced. It featured the St. Louis native praising Paul’s game and knowledge of the sport.

“I had never heard of a 3-for-2, and the person I learned that from was Chris Paul,” Tatum explained on JJ Redick’s “Old Man and the Three” podcast (h/t Heavy’s Matt John). “The first time I heard him say it was my third year. He was in OKC, and I asked him after the game. I was like, ‘What the hell is a 3-for-2?’ He was like, ‘Basically, you shoot it at 1:05, 1:03. So then you get the ball back two more times. I literally asked him after the game.”

“It’s things like that — they’re so valuable because Chris Paul is one of the smartest players, right?” continued Tatum. “Somebody that you would love to have on your team and I absolutely hate playing against. I hate playing against Chris.”

While there is a range of ball clubs who would be happy to sign the veteran floor general, it all comes down to what he wants.

The Celtics and most teams in the contention picture will not have much if any cap space to sign him (in Boston’s case the taxpayer midlevel exception), but CP3 has made plenty of cash via contracts and endorsements over the years, so it may just come down to where he believes winning a ring is most probable — or where he can contribute most to that exercise.

And in that, the Celtics have a solid argument.

Listen to the “Celtics Lab” podcast on:

Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3zBKQY6

Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3GfUPFi

YouTube: https://bit.ly/3F9DvjQ

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Why the Boston Celtics should pay Jaylen Brown – not trade him

The Celtics can’t afford to downgrade their talent if they want to pursue a title.

The Boston Celtics’ recent postseason failure against the Miami Heat in the 2023 Eastern Conference finals and changes to the NBA’s collective bargaining agreement have led to calls for a shake-up of the franchise’s roster. Jaylen Brown in particular is drawing scrutiny from fans and analysts in recent days.

Brown’s performance in the playoffs has been rightfully criticized. Amid the critiques and calls for trades, some note his overall contributions make him an exceptionally valuable player and that the blame being cast on him for a team failure unfair.

Moreover, on the CBA concerns, there has been pushback noting the Celtics can’t afford to downgrade their talent and should focus on paying the Georgia native if the team wants to compete for a title in the near future.

Such is the case made in a new video from the folks at The Score, take a look for yourself in the clip embedded below to get their argument in full.

Listen to the “Celtics Lab” podcast on:

Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3zBKQY6

Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3GfUPFi

YouTube: https://bit.ly/3F9DvjQ

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Celtics trade ideas: Lamelo Ball to Boston in Jaylen Brown Package deal

In light of the new CBA, the folks at the CLNS Media “Garden Report” podcast have been brainstorming trade ideas for Brown,

The Boston Celtics will have tough decisions to make to maximize their contention window under the NBA’s especially punitive (at least, for teams with expensive rosters like the Celtics) collective bargaining agreement that was designed to limit teams spending their way to a title.

That new CBA has some nervous fans and analysts clamoring for decisive action in that vein immediately. Many even calling for Boston to deal away star forward Jaylen Brown instead of offering the Georgia native a supermax extension. To that end, the folks at the CLNS Media “Garden Report” podcast have been brainstorming trade ideas for Brown, with their latest clip focused on a swap for Charlotte Hornets star point guard Lamelo Ball.

To hear the finer details of such a potential swap — or to scream at your screen because you hate the suggestion — take a look at the clip embedded below to see what the Garden Report crew has in mind.

Listen to the “Celtics Lab” podcast on:

Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3zBKQY6

Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3GfUPFi

YouTube: https://bit.ly/3F9DvjQ

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Boston Celtics 2022-23 season recap: From a historic start on offense to disappointing exit in the East finals

The Boston Celtics had a mixed 2022-23 season.

Starting with the Ime Udoka scandal and the elevation of Joe Mazzulla to interim head coach to the Game 7 loss to the Miami Heat in the 2023 East finals, the Boston Celtics had a mixed 2022-23 season.

The storied franchise started strongly, but faced challenges and ultimately fell short of its goal of hanging a banner in the 2023 playoffs. The Celtics made some significant roster changes along the way, dealt with a coaching suspension about as well as anyone could have expected and had some major ups and downs.

To reflect on a wild ride of a season that was likely doomed before it truly began for reasons beyond most of the organization’s control, take a look at the clip put together by the folks at NBC Sports Boston that we have embedded below.

Listen to the “Celtics Lab” podcast on:

Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3zBKQY6

Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3GfUPFi

YouTube: https://bit.ly/3F9DvjQ

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Celtics champ, broadcaster Cedric Maxwell wants Boston to keep their core together

Maxwell wants to see the team keep the core together for another deep run at an NBA title.

Not much went right for the Boston Celtics in their Game 7 matchup with the Miami Heat in the 2023 Eastern Conference semifinals.

Star swingman Jayson Tatum twisted his ankle on the very first possession of the contest. Big man Robert Williams III was dealing with a stomach bug throughout the contest, running to the locker room periodically to throw up. 2023 Sixth Man of the Year Malcolm Brogdon and reserve forward Grant Williams were playing through injuries. And star forward Jaylen Brown was having one of the worse postseason series and games of his career.

Despite all of this, the eponymous host of the “Cedric Maxwell” podcast on CLNS Media wants to see the team keep the core together for another deep run at an NBA title.

To hear what he and co-host Josue Pavon have to say about what they want to see change about this club for the 2023-24 season (and what went sideways last season), take a look at the clip embedded below.

Listen to the “Celtics Lab” podcast on:

Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3zBKQY6

Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3GfUPFi

YouTube: https://bit.ly/3F9DvjQ

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