Austin Rivers, Pat Beverley respond to JJ Redick’s critique of Doc Rivers on accountability

Is Rivers a bad coach? Definitely not. Is he the source of the Bucks’ current woes? Not really! Does he have a track record of deflecting blame, regardless of whether he deserves it? Absolutely.

Former Boston Celtics head coach Doc Rivers has a bad habit of throwing his former players under the bus at times to deflect criticism of his coaching. While at times it may be justified, it also often has landed poorly among those who have played for him in the past. Such was the case with ex-NBAer and current broadcaster JJ Redick, who took Doc to task on social media.

That, in turn, rankled Rivers’ son, Austin Rivers, who replied to Redick’s critique by saying via Clutch Points “In terms of accountability, your best years in the NBA were when you played for him and the (Los Angeles) Clippers … It’s just very ironic and kinda weird that you have this energy towards him.”

Redick’s words also irked current Milwaukee Bucks (who Rivers coaches) guard Patrick Beverley, who wrote “This Man Doc actually saved your career. Started you when no one else wanted (to). And (you) retire, go on TV and say that.”

Redick could not help but reply, saying, “Pat my guy, I had a four-year offer with player option for the same money to be a starter for a different team. (expletive) ‘saved my career,'”

Is Rivers a bad coach? Definitely not. Is he the source of the Bucks’ current woes? Not really! Does he have a track record of deflecting blame, regardless of whether he deserves it? Absolutely. But then again, that may be true of many of us — most of whom are not being paid like an NBA head coach.

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 see several players change in new NBA 2K ratings update

A number of Boston Celtics players have seen their overall player ratings change.

With the NBA’s All-Star Game for 2024 now in the rearview mirror, we can also take a look at some other timely news that may have been a bit obscured by the All-Star Week festivities taking place in Indianapolis, Indiana. The folks behind the popular NBA basketball simulation video game, NBA 2K, have updated this year’s overall player ratings for NBA 2K24!

And with that update, a number of Boston Celtics players have also seen their overall player ratings change, mostly for the good (and a few for the worse). The news is, as we alluded, mostly positive for the Celtics seeing changes to their ratings.

So all that said, let’s take a look at which Celtics’ ratings have changed — and to what.

How to watch Celtics forward Jaylen Brown in the NBA’s 2024 Dunk Contest

The final of the night’s three All-Star Week contests, the Dunk Contest will follow the Skills Challenge and 3-Point Shootout.

Star Boston Celtics forward Jaylen Brown will soon be competing in the NBA’s 2024 AT&T Slam Dunk Contest. The Celtics forward will do so along with three other competitors, including the Miami Heat’s Jaime Jaquez, Jr., the New York Knicks’ Jacob Toppin, and the defending champ, the Osceola Magic’s Mac McClung.

The final of the night’s three All-Star Week contests, the Dunk Contest will follow the Skills Challenge and 3-Point Shootout on Saturday, Feb. 17 at 8 p.m. ET. at Indianapolis’ Lucas Oil Stadium. Fans of the Celtics (or the sport more broadly) can watch the action on TNT as well as on NBA TV via League Pass.

A pair of Celtics alumni will be among the judges of the event, with Gary Payton, Sr. and Dominique Wilkins joined by Mitch Richmond, Fred Jones and Darnell Hillman in assigning grades to each flush of the event.

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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Oshae Brissett is providing a behind-the-scenes look at the Celtics roster

The Boston Celtics forward revealed why he documents his life as an NBA role player for his social media following.

Oshae Brissett has slowly begun cracking the Boston Celtics roster. The energetic wing, who is in his fifth NBA season, has proven himself to be a spark plug off the bench. Brissett is viewed as a potential energy shifter on nights when the Celtics look flat, especially in terms of rebounding and on-ball defense.

As such, Brissett remained with the team beyond the February 8 trade deadline. However, he’s also providing value to Celtics fans in other ways. Brissett has been documenting his life on his social media channels, including some behind-the-scenes content with the Celtics.

During a recent interview with NBC Sports Boston’s Abby Chin, Brissett discussed his reasons for showcasing what it’s like to be an NBA role player. He also discussed why he remains active on social media when most other players stay away from the negativity.

In typical Brissett fashion, he also gave a bit more information as he detailed his relationship with Joe Mazzulla and what it’s like to play for the Celtic’s head coach.

You can watch the full interview by clicking on the embedded link above.

Listen to the “Green With Envy” podcast on:

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

Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3Oj4dhD

YouTube: https://bit.ly/3K8MbvY

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Celtics vs. Heat: Prediction, preview, how to watch, stream, start

Boston finished their longest home stand of the NBA’s 2023-24 season. Will it find them well-rested and focused, or complacent and ripe for an upset?

The Boston Celtics face their biggest Eastern Conference Rival on the road again this Sunday afternoon after Boston finishes their longest home stand of the NBA’s 2023-24 season with a road tilt vs. the Miami Heat. Will it find them well-rested and focused, or complacent and ripe for an upset?

It may come down to whether star Heat forward Jimmy Butler is available to play, with the Miami star listed as questionable for personal reasons on the injury report. But the Celtics are plenty capable of getting in their own way when they think a win is assured, as well. We think the Celtics take this one, but the closeness of their last victory over the lowly Washington Wizards does not inspire confidence.

Let’s take a look at how you can watch the game.

Celtics vs. Lakers: Prediction, preview, how to watch, stream, start

The level of intensity for a Los Angeles Lakers tilt may not be quite what fans are used to when these two foes square off most nights.

The Boston Celtics are set to face their age-old rival at TD Garden on Thursday night, but due to injury, the level of intensity for a Los Angeles Lakers tilt may not be quite what fans are used to when these two foes square off most nights.

With word that the Lakers are sitting not just star forward LeBron James but also big man Anthony Davis, some of the wind that typically propels these contests is going to be lacking. At least for now, it does not seem that the Celtics are going to respond with a mystery ailment or three of their own, so it should be a win for Boston.

But as is the case in this league, playing down to their opponent could still deliver a loss in a perfect storm the Celtics seem to be good at seeking out.

Celtics at Mavs: Prediction, preview, how to watch, stream, start time

After righting the ship in a road tilt with the Houston Rockets on Sunday night, the Boston Celtics continue their Texas two-step by tangling with the Dallas Mavericks.

After righting the ship in a road tilt with the Houston Rockets on Sunday night, the Boston Celtics continue their Texas two-step by tangling with the Dallas Mavericks on Monday to complete the second half of a back-to-back.

Boston will be without Kristaps Porzingis, but will get back Al Horford and Jrue Holiday to face a ball club that has won six of their last 10 games and currently sits on the cusp of being in the range of teams set to end up in the play-in tournament. The Celtics should not take Dallas lightly, though, as Doncic and Irving can easily will their team to a victory should Boston bring less than their “A” game to bear vs. the Mavs.

The Celtics should win this contest without too much of a struggle if they respect their opponent, and it will be interesting to see if any progress is being made cleaning up late-game execution vs. a team like Dallas.

Boston Celtics at Los Angeles Lakers: How to watch, stream, injuries, lineups

The Boston Celtics revive their biggest, oldest rivalry on the marquee night of the 2023-24 regular season as they face the Los Angeles Lakers at Crypto Dot Com Arena on Christmas Day.

The Boston Celtics revive their biggest, oldest rivalry on the marquee night of the 2023-24 regular season as they face the Los Angeles Lakers at Crypto Dot Com Arena on Christmas Day.

If you happen to be looking for a way to watch the on-court action live on cable television or a local or national online streaming service that carries the game, keep reading while we get you up to speed on everything else you need to know about the game. Along with player injuries and likely starters for both teams, we of course will have how to watch it listed below.

Let’s begin with the players available to play.

If a new sitcom reminds you of Wyc Grousbeck’s life, it’s no accident

‘Extended Family’ was inspired by the unconventional family dynamics of Celtics owner Wyc Grousbeck, his wife Emilia Fazzalari, and her ex-husband George Geyer.

If you find yourself watching an unfamiliar NBC sitcom that seems oddly familiar but also not, it isn’t just you. “Extended Family,” a new NBC sitcom, was inspired by the unconventional family life of Boston Celtics owner Wyc Grousbeck, his wife Emilia Fazzalari, and her ex-husband George Geyer. The show explores the lives of divorced couple Jim and Julia, portrayed by Jon Cryer and Abigail Spencer, who continue to maintain an amicable relationship while co-parenting their two children.

Instead of the traditional arrangement of children moving between their parents’ homes, the show introduces the concept of “nesting,” where parents alternate living in the same home. Adding complexity, Spencer’s character gets engaged to Trey, a fictionalized version of Grousbeck, played by Donald Faison.

The series takes a positive approach to divorce, portraying the characters as navigating their blended family with humor and cooperation.

Three Boston Celtics alumni make HoopsHype’s list of top former NBAers in the media

The Boston Celtics have had no small number of former players matriculate into a media role, but who are the best at it now?

The Boston Celtics have had no small number of former players matriculate into a media role after retiring from the game, going back to Celtics Hall of Famers Bill Russell and Tommy Heinsohn to Paul Pierce and Brian Scalabrine today.

And as with all things, some have done better in such a role, and others have had stronger skill sets elsewhere. But a handful have gone on to win a second fame in the broadcast booth, some even garnering cult status as media members. In today’s media landscape, there are several high-profile Boston alumni making a living on the airwaves.

The folks at HoopsHype put together a fan vote-driven ranking of the 15 best former NBAers had a trio of former Boston players; let’s see which landed where in their assessment.