Tag: 2022-23 nba season

On this day: Boston Celtic guards Isaiah Thomas, Milt Palacio born

On this day in Celtics history: point guards Isaiah Thomas and Milt Palacio were born.

On this day in Boston Celtics history, former Celtics fan favorite floor general Isaiah Jamar Thomas — also known as IT — was born in Tacoma, Washington back in 1989. The Tacoma native would play his NCAA ball with the University of Washington Huskies, picked up with the 60th and final pick of the 2011 NBA draft by the Sacramento Kings.

IT would play stints there and with the Phoenix Suns before being traded to the Celtics for Marcus Thornton and draft assets as part of a major three-team deal. The King in the Fourth (as Thomas was often called as a nickname due to his late-game scoring prowess) would quickly become an offensive force with the Celtics.

He would play three seasons with Boston between 2015 and 2017.

Handing out some end of year awards to the Boston Celtics

The 2023 calendar year may be behind us, but the 2023-24 season continues.

The 2023 calendar year may be behind us, but the 2023-24 season continues. That doesn’t mean we can appreciate some of the highs and lows of 2023 for the Boston Celtics and the NBA more generally, however, which was the focus of the last podcast episode of the year from the CLNS Media “How Bout Them Celtics!” show.

The hosts handed out some imaginary end-of-year awards and reacted to a major NBA trade by the New York Knicks and Toronto Raptors that could shake up the league’s Eastern Conference standings a bit by season’s end. As far as the year-end hardware goes, awards for Boston’s player of the year, the best game, funniest moment, and more were addressed.

To hear how the Knicks – Raptors deal might affect the Celtics and to learn who was awarded what for 2023, 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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Boston’s Al Horford praises Joe Mazzulla’s growth as a coach

The Boston Celtics veteran discussed the growth he has seen from Joe Mazzulla during the opening weeks of the new NBA season.

Joe Mazzulla is in his second year as the Boston Celtics head coach. He was thrust into the position on an interim basis following the franchise’s decision to suspend Ime Udoka for breach of organizational policy before the 2022-23 season started. Mazzulla’s first season was a rollercoaster. Ultimately, it should be deemed a success, as he led the franchise to a game seven in the Eastern Conference finals.

However, Mazzulla appears to have learned from his experiences last season and is carrying a newfound confidence during press conferences and when patrolling the sidelines. Mazzulla is more comfortable leading his team and is starting to show a willingness to make tough decisions.

During a recent interview with Matthew John of Heavy on Sports, veteran big man Al Horford discussed Mazzulla’s evolution. 

“I’ve just seen him as a coach as being more assertive and also him being able to put an imprint of himself on the team and how he wants things to be run,” Horford said. “Last year, he was put in a tough position to come in and lead us. We started well last year, and I feel like we were very driven. But I just think that this year, we’re more comfortable with him.”

During the offseason, Mazzulla rebuilt his coaching staff, adding Sam Cassell, Charles Lee, and Phil Pressey to his staff. Being able to select his own team, and enter training camp with a thoroughly devised gameplan has likely played a part in Mazzulla’s overall growth to begin the season.

However, his experience in handling the media, in dealing with the ups and downs of the NBA, and in disseminating his thoughts have all likely played a part, too.

The Celtics have huge expectations on their shoulders this season; Mazzulla had to evolve. Otherwise, the team’s chances of success would have taken a significant hit.

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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Get to know Drew Carter, the man picking up the mantle for Mike Gorman on the road

Drew Carter joined the Green With Envy podcast to discuss his new role, his biggest influences, and share his journey.

Legendary Boston Celtics play-by-play announcer Mike Gorman is retiring at the end of the season. Drew Carter has been selected as his successor and has already begun making appearances on the call during Celtics away games. Carter, 26, has already struck up some chemistry with Brian Scalabrine and has done well in his first few weeks on the job.

In a recent episode of the “Green With Envy” podcast, Carter makes a guest appearance. He spends an hour discussing the journey that has seen him tasked with taking over from a legend, his influences, along what makes him who he is.

Carter also took a moment to note how he would love to meet Bill Simmons and implored the veteran reporter to watch the Celtics game while listening to the home feed.

“Because Bill Simmons is one of my biggest influences,” Carter said. “…I hope I get the chance to meet him through this job because he’s obviously a huge Celtics fan…(But) He was tweeting about the Wizards broadcast…and I’m like Bill, why are you watching the Wizards? Tune into the local broadcast”

The Green With Envy hosts also put Carter through a lightning round, where he answered many questions, including giving his best Ted Lasso impression. Carter’s youth makes him an ideal candidate to help resonate with the young Celtics audience. This season, he will be present on away games as he slowly transitions into a full-time role.

You can watch the full episode by clicking on the embedded clip 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

The best of new Boston Celtics guard Jrue Holiday’s play from 2022-23

Unfamiliar with the newest Boston Celtics point guard, Jrue Holiday, ahead of his debut with the team in their 2023-24 campaign?

Unfamiliar with the newest Boston Celtics point guard, Jrue Holiday, ahead of his debut with the team in their 2023-24 campaign? Holiday’s 2022-23 highlights showcase his remarkable skills on the basketball court, and as is his wont, fan-favorite Celtics videographer has put together a comprehensive highlight reel to get us all up to speed on what the UCLA alum can do for Boston next season.

Holiday averaged 19.3 points, 5.1 rebounds, 7.4 assists, and 1.2 steals per game with the Bucks in 2022-23, and shot 47.9% from the floor overall, 38.4% from beyond the arc, and 85.9% from the free throw line as a top-30 player in the league.

From impressive dunks to clutch 3-pointers on one end to lockdown defense on the other, Holiday’s contributions to the Celtics may very well be what finally pushes the ball club over the top in their pursuit for a league-record 18th title.

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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New Boston Celtics wing Lamar Stevens best 2022-23 highlights

While Stevens may not be known for his scoring, his contributions to the team go beyond putting points on the board.

The Boston Celtics have made a significant move by signing free-agent wing Lamar Stevens to a one-year, partially guaranteed contract. This decision comes as the team looks to bolster its roster ahead of the upcoming NBA season, with training camp looming on the horizon.

Stevens, at 26 years old, brings a physical presence to the Celtics and fills a crucial role as a versatile forward. Standing at 6-foot-6 and weighing 230 pounds, the Philly native is known for his toughness, defensive skills, and relentless hustle on the court. His ability to take on essential defensive assignments behind star forwards Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown makes him a valuable addition to the team.

While Stevens may not be known for his scoring, his contributions to the team go beyond putting points on the board.

To get to better know the new Boston wing’s game, take a look at the clip embedded above for the best of his play with the Cleveland Cavaliers in the 2022-23 NBA season.

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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10 minutes of ‘Shaqtin a Fool’ from the NBA’s 2022-23 season

While we patiently wait for the NBA’s 2023-24 season to get here in the depths of the summer doldrums, let’s take a look back at the league’s 2022-23 campaign.

While we patiently wait in the depths of the summer doldrums for the NBA’s 2023-24 season to get here, let’s take a look back at the league’s 2022-23 campaign through the eyes of a former Boston Celtic poking a bit of fun at other former Celtics — and pretty much anyone else stepping foot inside an NBA arena.

That would of course be Hall of Fame Boston big man Shaquille O’Neal and his series of video shorts making light of on-court mishaps that has come to be known as “Shaqting a Fool,” compiled into an extended reel for the entirety of the 2022-23 season.

For the uninitiated, buckle up and try not to drink anything while watching. For the rest of you, check out the clip embedded below to see the hijinks for yourself — starting with a memorable moment for Boston fans.

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 hold event to honor 2022-23’s Heroes Among Us

The event had Brian Scalabrine and team treasurer Deborah Goldberg giving the keynote speakers.

The Boston Celtics’ Heroes Among Us Event 2023 was a heartwarming event that honored exceptional individuals who have made important contributions to their communities in the greater Boston area.

Organized by the Massachusetts State Lottery in collaboration with the Celtics, it was held in August.

These heroes have selflessly undertaken remarkable acts of kindness throughout the year, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to improving the lives of others. It’s a beautiful reminder of the power of compassion in our daily lives and the impact one person can have on the lives of many.

To get a glimpse of the gala put together by the folks behind the Heroes Among Us, 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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Did Blake Griffin make the best alley-oop of the Boston Celtics’ 2022-23 season?

The Boston Celtics were one of the bouncier ball clubs in the NBA during their 2022-23 campaign.

The Boston Celtics were one of the bouncier ball clubs in the NBA during their 2022-23 campaign, with players like Robert Williams III, Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum, and even Blake Griffin throwing down some seriously impressive flushes.

And while we did not get as many alley-oop dunks as we would have liked to have seen with Timelord on this team’s roster (we’re looking at you on that ongoing issue, Malcolm Brogdon), the case can reasonably be made that the best oop thrown down of the 2022-23 season for the Celtics did not even involve the Texas A&M alum in it.

That honor could very well fall to Griffin, but we will let you decide for yourself, the play in question having been executed by the former No. 1 pick in a sequence included in the NBA’s official “Best alley-oop dunks of the 2022-23 season” video.

Check it out in the video 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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Bleacher Report includes Boston Celtics in ’10 minutes of absolute dimes’ clip from 2022-23

The Celtics also delivered some especially precise passes that season.

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By now you have likely seen the NBA’s official video celebrating the very best ball movement of the 2022-23 season featuring the Boston Celtics as we wait for training camp for the Celtics’ 2023-24 season to arrive in the month of September.

Given how important ball movement is to the style of play favored by Boston head coach Joe Mazzulla aptly known as “Mazzulla Ball,” that makes all the sense in the world. But the Celtics also delivered some especially precise passes that are worthy of another look in the midst of the dog days of August, and the good folks behind the Bleacher Report YouTube channel have put together a highlight reel of 10 minutes of absolute dimes from the 2022-23 season that includes Boston.

To see the play in question for yourself (and several others), 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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