The Celtics Chronicle: A Boston Celtics Podcast

The Boston Celtics hit the ground running after the All-Star break with a dominant win over the Golden State Warriors! In today’s episode, Adam Taylor and Billy Calabrese break down Jaylen Brown’s "best game of the season" and the triple-double that set the tone for this West Coast road trip.We also dive deep into the biggest "what-if" in Boston: Jayson Tatum’s return. When does the "runway" get too short? We discuss the March 1st vs. March 4th timeline, how the rotation will shrink, and which young players like Jordan Walsh or Hugo Gonzalez might be the odd men out when the superstar returns.-----------📩 Stay Ahead of the GameDon't miss a single beat of the Celtics' season. For deep-dive analysis, salary cap breakdowns, and exclusive team news, subscribe to the Celtics Chronicle Newsletter.CelticsChronicle.com-----------TimeStamps00:00 Intro01:17 Jaylen Brown’s Monster Night03:41 Trap Game Talk & Warriors’ Shorthanded Context09:56 Tatum Return Watch19:34 How Tatum Changes the rotation21:20 Roster Mechanics: 10-Day Contracts, Tax Math, and Buyout Expectations26:48 Wrap-Up-----------#Celtics #NBA #BostonCeltics #GoldenStateWarriors

(You can also listen on Apple and Spotify)The Boston Celtics are back in action tonight, this time facing the Indiana Pacers. I’m joined by Alex Golden to preview the game, along with what the Pacers are looking to do ahead of the trade deadline and whether the franchise is chasing a high draft pick after an injury-hit start to the season. We also touched on Siakam’s illegal screen, the Celtics own need for a center, and much more. If you prefer to watch on YouTube, the episode is already live.And, if you haven’t already, please subscribe to the podcast feed and YouTube channel! Get full access to The Celtics Chronicle at www.celticschronicle.com/subscribe

Tonight, we get to see the best two teams in the Eastern Conference duke it out.The Boston Celtics vs. the Detroit Pistons.If the Celtics win, they will close the gap in the conference standings to 3.5 games, and potentially add some more breathing space between themselves and the New York Knicks.To preview the game, I was joined by Ku Khahil of the Locked On Pistons podcast. We dove into the Pistons' season so far, including their defensive identity. Interestingly, Detroit has a top-10 offense this season, despite struggling from each shot location. According to Cleaning The Glass, the Pistons’ shot accuracy looks like this:66.4% at the rim — 17th in the NBA43.1% in the mid-range — 19th in the NBA35.4% from 3-point range — 20th in the NBA.Yet, despite those struggles, the Pistons keep finding ways to win…Ku explains how Detroit is winning the possession battle.We also touch on the upcoming trade deadline and what Detroit may look to do. What Celtics fans should expect during tonight’s game, such as who Ausar Thompson guards (and why it should be Jaylen Brown) and the potential of adding a floor-spacing four to the Pistons roster.Of course, we wrap up with our game predictions.If you prefer to consume your podcasts on YouTube, the show is already live. Just click the embedded video below!And, if you haven’t already, please subscribe to the podcast feed and YouTube channel! Get full access to The Celtics Chronicle at www.celticschronicle.com/subscribe

We’re officially less than two weeks away from the Feb. 5 NBA trade deadline. We’ve already seen the Celtics be linked with multiple players ranging from Ayo Dosunmu to Jaren Jackson Jr.However, we’ve come to expect the Celtics to do their work in silence. The names that are often floated with the franchise are seldom the ones who walk through the doors of the Red Auerbach Center on their first day of practice with a new team.To get us ready for the upcoming two weeks, I was joined by cap expert Keith Smith on the latest episode of the Celtics Chronicle podcast.We started out by exploring some trade ideas that Billy Calabrese and I had crowd-sourced from Spotrac’s trade machine. We went through each idea individually, looking at why they would or wouldn’t work, and whether the Celtics would be willing to part with the pieces being offered.In the second half of the show, Keith and I discussed the confusion surrounding the repeater tax, Anfernee Simons value as both a trade chip and a long-term piece in Boston, what Simons next deal could look like if he stays with the Celtics, and much more.If you haven’t already, please subscribe to the podcast feed and leave a *kind* review, as that helps the show grow — which ultimately helps the newsletter too :) Get full access to The Celtics Chronicle at www.celticschronicle.com/subscribe

(You can also listen on Apple and Spotify)The Boston Celtics are defying expectations this season. They’re third in the Eastern Conference with a 19-11 record, are on a four-game win streak, and are heading out West to face four teams with sub-500 records. It might be a lofty goal, but with the current trajectory of the Celtics, there’s a chance they could hit the 40-20 mark in the coming months. However, Joe Mazzulla’s team would need to go 21-8 over their next 30 games to make it happen.Can the current roster achieve such a lofty goal? Will changes at the trade deadline improve their chances? And does it even matter in the grand scheme of the season? Boston is playing with house money this year. Nobody expected them to be among the better teams in the East. Still, it makes sense for them to chase the best record possible, especially if they have their eyes on a fairytale postseason run…I mean, the Miami Heat had one of those playoffs a few years back. Isn’t Jaylen Brown playing at, or close to, the level we saw from Jimmy Butler that season?Billy Calabrese and I dive into all this and a little more in today’s episode of the Celtics Chronicle podcast…Also available on YouTube…Thanks for reading The Celtics Chronicle! This post is public so feel free to share it. Get full access to The Celtics Chronicle at www.celticschronicle.com/subscribe

(You can also listen on Apple and Spotify)Anfernee Simons saw his playing time limited to just 12 minutes as the Boston Celtics secured a win over the LA Clippers on Sunday. The 26-year-old has been inconsistent to start the season, but at times, has provided valuable scoring off the bench. The primary issue has been how frequently the ball sticks in his hands when working in the half-court — where he leads the Celtics in average seconds per touch (4.39) and average dribbles per touch (3.94). Joe Mazzulla has been cuthroat this season, yanking guys when they miss rebounds or when their shot isn’t falling. And while that style of coaching is clearly resonating with the roster, there is a risk of hurting players’ confidence. So, it will be interesting to see whether Simons responds or recoils at his limited playing time.In today’s episode of the Celtics Chronicle podcast, I’m joined by Bruce Veliz (formerly of Celtics Digest) to discuss Simons’ limited minutes, where he’s struggling and why it’s important to get him going — both in terms of production and trade value.The episode is also live on YouTube if you prefer to watch the show. During the episode, we also touch on Derrick White and Payton Pritchard’s impressive night against the Clippers, how their roles are slightly adjusting and why that’s a good thing, and Sam Hauser’s shooting slump — where his gravity should still hold significant value.If you haven’t already, please subscribe to the podcast feed and leave a *kind* review, as that helps the show grow — which ultimately helps the newsletter too :) Thanks for reading The Celtics Chronicle! This post is public so feel free to share it. Get full access to The Celtics Chronicle at www.celticschronicle.com/subscribe

When the Celtics fell to a 0-3 start on the season, talk of a potential tanking season began to gather steam. The Celtics own their draft pick heading into next summer, the 2026 draft class is deep, and the dream of adding an elite-level lottery pick was an easy sell for some sections of the fanbase.However, back-to-back wins against the New Orleans Pelicans and Cleveland Cavaliers have likely given everyone some food for thought as far as tanking is concerned. We know this year’s team isn’t going to be bringing home a chip, but that doesn’t mean they’re going to be sub-500, either. Sure, it’s possible that Joe Mazzulla’s squad endures a losing season; however, at present, it feels like things could go either way.With that being said, I was joined by Gary Webster — an 18-year season-ticket holder and former podcaster for “Section5ive” — to discuss Wednesday’s win over the Cavaliers, and more importantly, the pros and cons of potentially pulling the rug on the season.So, tap in to today’s episode with Gary, and, of course, let us know if you are on “Team Tank” or “Team Competitive.”As usual, if you prefer to watch these podcasts, the episode is already up on YouTube… Get full access to The Celtics Chronicle at www.celticschronicle.com/subscribe

(You can also listen on Apple and Spotify)The Boston Celtics only have one game left on their preseason slate. So far, every team they’ve faced has kept some, if not all, of their starters out of the rotation. So, while we’ve gotten a taste of how the Celtics are trying to play, we haven’t seen how it will work against primary rotation NBA players.In today’s episode of the Celtics Chronicle podcast, Billy Calabrese and I discuss some of the things we’ve noticed over the past three games and how that could, should or shouldn’t translate into the regular season.We touch on:* Queta’s limited playing time, and why that could be * The importance of defensive rebounding in order to control the tempo* How “Pace” is a wide-ranging concept that isn’t just sprinting the floor to attack in transition* Why building the right framework is more important than immediate results, this early into the retooling process* Whether there is a redundancy with both Anfernee Simons and Payton Pritchard on the same roster* Shot creation + quality vs. shot volume * And a brief discussion over Josh Minott’s hot start to the preseason.If you prefer to watch the video version, it’s already up on YouTube. Oh, and be sure to subscribe on your podcast player of choice so you never miss an episode!If you know someone - or a social platform - who/that would enjoy this episode, and potentially become part of the Celtics Chronicle community, you know what to do! Get full access to The Celtics Chronicle at www.celticschronicle.com/subscribe

(You can also listen on Apple and Spotify)The Boston Celtics got their preseason schedule underway with a win over a Memphis Grizzlies team missing most of its starters. Boston, on the other hand, started the game with Jaylen Brown and Derrick White in the backcourt and Sam Hauser at the power forward spot. This was the first time we’ve seen the Celtics in action since their flurry of cost-cutting moves over the summer. As such, I - and most likely we - had multiple questions we were hoping would begin to be answered in this game. Some were, some weren’t, and of course, new questions arose.In today’s episode of the Celtics Chronicle podcast, Bill Calabrese and I discuss* Boston’s shot profile* The pros and cons of Tillman at the 5* What we saw from the new and young recruits * Questions about the pace of play, and how pace can mean different things* Defensive observations, upside and concernsAnd a bunch more. If you prefer to watch the video version, it’s already up on YouTube. Oh, and be sure to subscribe on your podcast player of choice so you never miss an episode! If you know someone who would enjoy this episode, and possibly becoming part of the Celtics Chronicle community, you know what to do. Get full access to The Celtics Chronicle at www.celticschronicle.com/subscribe

Celtics basketball starts today!Ok, it’s only a preseason game, I get it. But that doesn’t mean we can’t get excited about the season to come! And with that in mind, I joined up with Jason Timpf of the Hoops Tonight podcast to do a deep dive preview of the Celtics roster and how their season could shake out.We hit on:* Anfernee Simons and his potential value* Simons’ upside if he can figure out his defense* The importance of defensive IQ execution* How the overall offense could change to suit the new team* Concerns about the center rotation* Questions about the depth at both forward positions* Why Chris Boucher makes more sense at the four* How Jayson Tatum’s return could impact trade decisions* And a bunch of other stuff. Get full access to The Celtics Chronicle at www.celticschronicle.com/subscribe

We’re just one day away from the Celtics’ preseason opener against the Memphis Grizzlies — our first real look at this new roster in action. And with that comes a few burning questions we’ve all been waiting to see answered:In today’s episode of The Celtics Chronicle podcast, I was joined by Billy Calabrese — who is a regular co-host on Tuesdays and Thursdays — to dive into some of the bigger picture questions as we head into the Memphis game.We hit on:* A potentially new-look offense and how that could look/work* The roster battles, and potential rotation questions — double big? Pritchard starting?* Building in Mazzulla’s image — carrying on from yesterday’s newsletter* The trade-off between developing talent and maximizing “ready-now” guys like Jaylen Brown and Derrick White* And, whether the Celtics should hit up the New York Knicks about Pacome Dadiet, who is rumored to be available at pennies on the dollar.All this and more on today's Celtics Chronicle podcast Get full access to The Celtics Chronicle at www.celticschronicle.com/subscribe

In this episode, hosts Adam Taylor and Billy Calabrese discuss the upcoming Boston Celtics season and their chances of making the playoffs. They analyze a poll by Marc Stein among his newsletter subscribers that places the Celtics ninth in the Eastern Conference, landing them in the play-in tournament. They delve into the strengths and weaknesses of the Celtics' roster, particularly focusing on their backcourt's potential and the glaring issues in their frontcourt. The discussion also touches on other teams in the conference and their standings, including the Milwaukee Bucks, Philadelphia 76ers, and Miami Heat. Tune in to hear their in-depth analysis and predictions for the Celtics this season.------------------------Subscribe to the Celtics Chronicle newsletter for analysis, news, and X's and O's, sent straight to your inbox: https://celticschronicle.com/------------------------Chapters00:00 Intro01:09 Celtics' Playoff Chances02:25 Comparing Eastern Conference Teams05:28 Celtics' Roster Analysis08:16 Challenges and Expectations15:48 Rebounding and Defense Concerns18:57 Final Thoughts------------------------#Celtics #BostonCeltics #NBA Get full access to The Celtics Chronicle at www.celticschronicle.com/subscribe

Should the Boston Celtics take a flyer on Russell Westbrook? Adam Taylor and Wayne Breezy break down whether Westbrook could realistically fit into Joe Mazzulla’s system, what role he’d play off the bench, and how his veteran presence might impact Boston’s retooling. We dive into his recent production, contract situation, and whether Brad Stevens should consider the move.------------------------Subscribe to the Celtics Chronicle newsletter for analysis, news, and X's and O's, sent straight to your inbox: https://celticschronicle.com/------------------------Chapters00:00 Intro03:13 Westbrook's Potential Role and Fit with the Celtics05:54 Potential Challenges and Team Dynamics07:39 Coaching and Rotational Strategies26:31 Debating the Future of Veteran Players28:17 Balancing Development and Competition28:59 Westbrook's Potential Fit with the Celtics29:49 The Importance of Versatile Players31:34 Jordan Walsh's Make or Break Season37:51 The Wingstop Tangent42:19 Final Thoughts------------------------#celtics #BostonCeltics #NBA Get full access to The Celtics Chronicle at www.celticschronicle.com/subscribe

***ROAD TO 750 SUBSCRIBERS***The Boston Celtics just went through a MAJOR TALENT DRAIN. With Kristaps Porziņģis, Al Horford, and Jrue Holiday gone, and new faces like Chris Boucher, Luka Garza, and Josh Minott stepping in, the big question is simple: what’s next for Boston?In this episode, I'm joined by Justin Quinn to break down the burning questions facing the Celtics heading into the 2025 season:Can Joe Mazzulla guide this team through a major talent drain?What role will young players like Neemias Queta, Josh Minott, and Jordan Walsh actually play?Is Jalen Brown’s long-term future with Boston secure?Could Brad Stevens make a swing for a player like Lauri Markkanen?And when will we really see Jayson Tatum back at full strength?This is more than just an offseason recap — it’s about the future of the Celtics and how this team will be built for the next era.------💌 Subscribe to The Celtics Chronicle for in-depth analysis sent straight to your inbox: celticschronicle.com----------00:00 Intro05:36 Player Development and Potential Trades24:09 Coaching and Future Prospects36:58 Final Thoughts----------#Celtics #BostonCeltics #NBA Get full access to The Celtics Chronicle at www.celticschronicle.com/subscribe

****ROAD TO 750 SUBSCRIBERS****The Celtics signed Luka Garza to a two year deal earlier this summer. Garza will help fill some of the void in the Celtics front court after losing Kristaps Porzingis, Al Horford and Luke Kornet during the offense.Now, the question is whether Garza can fit into the Celtics offensive and defensive system, and can he win a roster battle with Neemias Queta for the starting spot in the Celtics rotation? ----------Full Newsletter Deep Dive: https://celticschronicle.com/three-ways-luka-garza-help-boston-celtics-joe-mazzulla-brad-stevens-jaylen-brown/-----------Time Stamps00:00 Intro02:34 Garza's Potential and Fit with the Celtics04:07 Deep Dive into Garza's Offense21:20 Defensive Concerns and Potential31:50 Finals Thoughts#Celtics #BostonCeltics #NBA #CelticsOffseason #LukaGarza #KristapsPorzingis #AlHorford #LukeKornet Get full access to The Celtics Chronicle at www.celticschronicle.com/subscribe

****ROAD TO 750 SUBSCRIBERS****Celtics legend Bob Cousy recently shared his thoughts on Jaylen Brown leading the Boston Celtics next season. The 6-Time NBA Champion isn't high on a Brown and Derrick White led version of the Celtics roster, so he is expecting a tough season. In today's episode of Taylor Talks Celtics, we build on Cousy's comments by discussing what Brown does well, what he struggles with, and whether he's ready to be the primary option throughout the upcoming season.----Subscribe to the Celtics Chronicle newsletter: CelticsChronicle.com ----TIMESTAMPS00:00 Intro00:58 Bob Cousy's Take on Jaylen Brown04:31 Dissecting Jaylen Brown's Game06:56 Challenges for the Celtics12:48 The Importance of Jayson Tatum17:36 Final Thoughts----#Celtics #BostonCeltics #JaylenBrown #JaysonTatum Get full access to The Celtics Chronicle at www.celticschronicle.com/subscribe

The Boston Celtics roster looks significantly different to the one that won a championship in 2024, and the one that ended last season. There's still a ton of questions surrounding the Celtics and whether any more new faces are heading to Boston. In today's episode, Adam and Cody predicted and debate what the 2025-26 starting lineup could be, and why the Celtics front court could be in trouble.----Subscribe to the Celtics Chronicle newsletter for analysis, news, and X's and O's, sent straight to your inbox: https://celticschronicle.com/----Time Stamps0:00 Intro02:11 Guard Positions04:36 Balancing the Roster09:51 Front Court Challenges20:36 Analyzing Player Positions and Roles22:12 Xavier Tillman's Potential Impact24:25 Evaluating Big Men Options33:06 Jalen Brown's Role and Expectations36:00 Final Thoughts----- Get full access to The Celtics Chronicle at www.celticschronicle.com/subscribe

The Boston Celtics Summer League season is already 3 games old. After their loss to the Heat on Monday, the Celtics won't be contending for the Summer League championship. Nevertheless, we've got a closer look at the Celtics latest rookies, and how they fare against a higher level of competition than what they were used to in college or playing overseas.Summer League is never a great place to evaluate talent. However, it's clear the Celtics have a few guys worth giving extra minutes to next season.--------Subscribe to the Celtics Chronicle newsletter: CelticsChronicle.com -------00:00 Intro00:43 Bassey03:14 Baylor's Evolution and Performance08:36 Hugo Gonzales &. Jordan Walsh19:54 Final Thoughts---------#Celtics #BostonCeltics #NBA #SummerLeague2025 Get full access to The Celtics Chronicle at www.celticschronicle.com/subscribe

***ROAD TO 500 SUBSCRIBERS***------------------------Subscribe to the Celtics Chronicle newsletter for analysis, news, and X's and O's, sent straight to your inbox: https://celticschronicle.com/------------------------In this episode of Taylor Talk Celtics, hosts Adam Taylor and Billy Calabrese delve into the future of Al Horford and the potential for him to join the New York Knicks. They discuss the implications of such a move, the Celtics' current roster challenges, and the ongoing speculation surrounding Giannis as a potential trade candidate. Adam and Billy discuss various aspects of NBA team building, focusing on the 'big three' concept and its effectiveness in modern basketball. They explore the importance of team depth, player roles, and the potential impact of trades, particularly regarding the Celtics and their current roster. The discussion also touches on the need for a suitable big man to complement the team's style of play, with various players being considered as potential targets. The conversation concludes with reflections on the future of the team and the challenges they face in a competitive league.------------------------00:00 Intro02:00 Al Horford's Future: Knicks or Celtics?13:00 Giannis Trade Speculations and Possibilities24:27 The Big Three Debate30:21 Exploring Team Depth and Player Roles34:47 Finding the Right Big Man39:50 Closing Thoughts Get full access to The Celtics Chronicle at www.celticschronicle.com/subscribe

Subscribe to the Celtics Chronicle newsletter for analysis, news, and X's and O's, sent straight to your inbox: https://celticschronicle.com/------------------------In this conversation, Adam Taylor and Billy discuss the future of the Boston Celtics, focusing on potential strategies for the team as they navigate salary cap constraints and trade possibilities. They explore whether the Celtics should aim for a competitive season or consider a rebuild, the implications of trading key players like Jalen Brown and Kristaps Porzingis, and various trade scenarios involving Drew Holiday. The discussion emphasizes the importance of acquiring young talent and draft picks while maintaining a competitive edge in the Eastern Conference.00:00 Intro03:01 Celtics' Future: Compete or Tank?05:55 Salary Cap Dynamics and Trade Strategies09:09 Exploring Trade Scenarios for Jrue Holiday12:06 Evaluating Kristaps Porzingis' Trade Value14:49 The Jalen Brown Dilemma: Trade or Keep?17:52 Potential Trade Packages and Their Implications20:59 Final Thoughts------------------------------------------------#Celtics #BostonCeltics #NBA Get full access to The Celtics Chronicle at www.celticschronicle.com/subscribe