Category: Audio/Video

Tracy McGrady is all the way out on splitting up Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum

“You don’t dismantle that, I’m sorry,” he explained.

Former NBA star wing Tracy McGrady knows quite a bit about playing the sport that made him a household name, and the ex-NBAer recently weighed in on the sentiment among some Celtics fans and analysts to break up star wings Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum.

“You don’t dismantle that, I’m sorry,” he said on an episode of the Showtime Basketball “What’s Burnin'” podcast. “Hell yeah, you keep that! This is, what, 25 and 26 year olds? Why would you get rid of that? I don’t understand why would you get rid of two guys that have played for NBA championship, (and) went to four Eastern Conference finals.”

“At some point, these guys are going to raise a banner,” he added confidently.

If the Celtics’ front office doesn’t believe the same, the debate may be moot. But McGrady has a point, and one that — at least for now — seems to be echoed by the club’s front office.

Boston team president Brad Stevens went to bat for his players and coach at a postseason press conference. Based on his comments, running much of this team back with better support appears to be the plan inasmuch as league rules allow such discussion.

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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Should the Boston Celtics keep Jaylen Brown? Brian Scalabrine discusses

What the Celtics should do about all of this is one of the more important questions facign the team in years if not longer.

The biggest question for the Boston Celtics heading into the offseason is whether they should offer star forward Jaylen Brown a supermax extension. Brown’s responses to questions about his future this past season have been vague, perhaps indicating uncertainty.

There are concerns about how well Brown and fellow star wing Jayson Tatum complement each other because they have similar playing styles and weaknesses. However, their defensive and offensive versatility as wing players is extremely valuable in today’s NBA. The Celtics have had success with them, but their ball handling and decision-making can be inconsistent.

What the Celtics should do about all of this is one of the more important questions the team has faced in years, and former Celtics forward and current Boston broadcaster Brian Scalabrine weighed in on the matter on an episode of the “Dan Patrick” show.

Check out the clip embedded above to hear what Scal has to say about Jaylen Brown’s future as a Celtic.

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 story of Hall of Fame Boston Celtics big man Kevin McHale

How much do fans of the Boston Celtics of today know about champion Boston big man Kevin McHale? 

How much do fans of the Boston Celtics of today know about champion Boston big man Kevin McHale?

In this exciting episode of the CLNS Media “NBA Storytellers” podcast, powered by FanDuel, we dive into the illustrious career of one of basketball’s greatest power forwards.

From his dominant low-post game and leadership skills to his resilience and selfless approach, McHale’s journey is an unforgettable tale of basketball excellence. Relive the highlights, struggles and defining moments of his NBA career. From his days at the University of Minnesota to his legendary tenure with the Celtics as part of the iconic “Big Three,” McHale left an indelible mark on the sport.

In his final season, McHale delivered a vintage performance, reminding us all of his enduring greatness. We’ll also explore McHale’s post-playing career, as he transitioned into coaching, broadcasting and philanthropic endeavors.

Take a look at the clip embedded above to hear his 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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What should the Boston Celtics do with Jaylen Brown?

Resigning the Georgia native is a top priority for Tatum, but what about the front office?

The Boston Celtics are facing important decisions in the offseason, particularly regarding star forward Jaylen Brown, who is eligible for a supermax extension.

Brown had a strong offensive season and earned second-team All-NBA honors, making him eligible for a contract for five years that is projected at $285.6 million.

However, Brown’s consistency and basketball IQ still need improvement. The Celtics have the option to either pay both Brown and Jayson Tatum both supermax deals, limiting their roster flexibility, or explore trades for Brown to prioritize depth and reliable shooting. Re-signing the Georgia native is a top priority for Tatum and team president Brad Stevens, but it remains unclear how ownership feels about such a prospect.

To hear more about this potential conundrum, check out this clip by the folks at NESN we’ve 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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Does Jayson Tatum have what it takes to win a title with the Boston Celtics?

Despite how close he has already come, some analysts still seem to have their doubts.

To win an NBA title, it really does take the heart of a champion despite the cliche being thrown around more than it should be.

When it comes to the Boston Celtics struggling to get over the hump in the postseason, a fair amount of blame can be attributed to the club’s best player, star forward Jayson Tatum.

To some analysts, the bulk of the blame pie seems to lie with the St Louis native, specifically regarding Tatum’s will to win. That is the tack taken by Dr. Jason Johnson of the Peacock “Brother from a Different Mother” show.

Johnson criticizes Tatum’s supposed lack of heart and leadership skills, comparing him to Chris Webber.

To hear Johnson break down his thoughts on whether Tatum has what it takes to hang a banner, take a look at 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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Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett on what the Boston Celtics need to win a title

What do the Boston Celtics need to do to prevent another early postseason exit?

What do the Boston Celtics need to do to prevent another early postseason exit in the 2024 NBA playoffs as they gear up for another run at an NBA title?

On the latest episode of the Showtime Basketball “KG Certified” podcast, Celtics Hall of Famers Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce discussed the 2023 NBA Finals and the Celtics’ performance in the playoffs.

The Ticket and the Truth talk about the importance of Boston having a feel for the energy of the game and making adjustments on the fly. They also discuss the need for maturity and improvement from the Celtics’ best players, especially Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown.

Check out the clip embedded below to hear what the former Boston stars have to say about the Celtics’ future, as well their thoughts on the Denver Nuggets and Miami Heat finals.

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 great Bill Walton on the 2023 NBA Finals

While he would likely prefer to see the Celtics in the finals, Walton also has plenty to say about the Denver Nuggets taking on the Miami Heat

Hall of Fame Boston Celtics big man Bill Walton knows ball like few do after having won NCAA titles at UCLA and NBA titles with the Celtics and the Portland Trail Blazers.

While the former Boston big would undoubtedly prefer to see his former team in the 2023 NBA Finals, Walton also has plenty to say about the Denver Nuggets taking on the Miami Heat for the 2023 title.

The former Bruin made an appearance on the “Pat McAfee Show” to talk all things finals, touching on his favorite players on both teams, what he expects to see, and what advantages each club has going for it among many other topics (as Bill is wont to do).

To see his wide-ranging interview for yourself, take a look at the video embedded below to catch all of Walton’s glory for yourself.

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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Full Brad Stevens press conference on the state of the Boston Celtics

Stevens believes the team needs to work on improvement and make small tweaks to reach their goals amid clamor from fans for big changes. 

Boston Celtics President of Basketball Operations Brad Stevens held a press conference on Wednesday afternoon to put the Celtics’ loss to the Miami Heat in the 2023 East finals in some context ahead of a busy offseason to address the team’s shortcomings.

Stevens evaluated Celtics head coach Joe Mazzula’s performance, lauding his accomplishments despite being thrust into the job right before the regular season amid the fallout of the Ime Udoka scandal. The Celtics president believes the team needs to work on improvement and make small tweaks to reach their goals amid clamor from fans for big changes.

The looming extension of Jaylen Brown and the free agency of Grant Williams also came up with several other important topics regarding how the team will build on what they have learned about the team in the coming season.

Take a look at the clip embedded above to see the presser in full for yourself.

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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Would it have been less painful for the Boston Celtics to have been swept in the 2023 East finals?

Also, if the Celtics had been swept, would there be discussions about breaking up the team?

The Boston Celtics’ shocking collapse against the Miami Heat in Game 7 of the NBA’s 2023 Eastern Conference finals exposed one last time the Celtics’  shortcomings this season and raised serious questions about their future as a title contender.

Clouding the situation is Jayson Tatum’s ankle injury, which hindered his performance throughout the game. The same can be said for the stomach bug we later learned big man Robert Williams III was dealing with and the tendon issue bothering ’23 Sixth Man of the Year Malcolm Brogdon.

If the Celtics had been swept, would there be discussions about breaking up the team? Or would the conversations focused more on head coach Joe Mazzulla and his inexperience contributing to the defeat?

At least some analysts are arguing that getting swept would have been less painful than a Game 7 collapse. Among them are the hosts of CBS Sports Radio’s “Maggie and Perloff” show.

To hear their case for such a perspective, 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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Amid calls to make major changes to the Celtics, an anonymous GM thinks Boston should run it back

‘It’s a hard sell, it’s an unpopular choice,’ related the unnamed exec.

The Boston Celtics once again fell short of their goal of winning a title in the Jaylen Brown–Jayson Tatum era of the storied franchise. Predictably, fans and analysts reacted with a wide range of ideas of what the team ought to do next.

But despite some voices suggesting the club should break up its two star players for some other package of contracts and/or draft assets, an anonymous opposing general manager speaking to Heavy’s Sean Deveney thinks otherwise.

“It’s a hard sell. It’s an unpopular choice, especially with everything we have seen in recent years in terms of superteams and major stars going to different places,” said the unnamed exec. “But a team like Boston, they need to just keep going at it. That’s what they’re going to do. Look at the (Denver) Nuggets. They stuck with it, and here they are.”

“Boston, they’re on the doorstep. They know it. You don’t get to the doorstep and then say, ‘Nah, I will try a different house.’ No, you keep beating on that door. Again, it’s unpopular with the fans. But it’s the right thing.”

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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