Celtics Beat | Covering The Nba & Boston Celtics | Clns Media Network

With the fate of the Boston Celtics in the 2016 NBA Draft now sealed, Brad Stevens, Danny Ainge, team management and everyone else now know what the Celtics have on their hands as they enter the summer of 2016: Three first-round draft choices including the third overall as well as $50+ million dollars of cap space.  So therefore, we can now finally preview the 2016 NBA Off-Season. Sean Grande, Celtics radio play-by-play for 98.5 FM The Sports Hub in Boston will do so with Larry H. Russell.  Sean and LHR will spend the entire show together, take one last look back on the season -- all that was accomplished this year, both short and long term and use that to assess where the Celts are heading into this summer and what legitimate opportunities there are out there for the team.  Will the organization and fans just have to accept this will be a longer process where Boston will build through the draft? What free agents out there will the Celts target and who will be the best fit? What about the future of Evan Turn

The 2016 NBA Draft Lottery has yielded the third overall selection for the Boston Celtics...courtesy of the Brooklyn Nets.  Boston held serve for the first time in a while.  Should fans and team executives be disappointed at the lack of lottery luck? Jeff Goodman of ESPN is back on Celtics Beat to breakdown the coming NBA Draft and lay out all the scenarios for the Celtics.  Goodman gives a rundown and scouting reports on all potential draftees for the Celts, and lays out scenarios and his own predictions as well.  How likely is it that the Celts even use the pick anyways. There’s more: Goodman discusses the value of the Celtics pick courtesy of the Nets NEXT YEAR, what they should do in this coming off-season, as well as discusses if Boston has the best future of any NBA team.  And if not, who does? It’s all on this week’s episode of Celtics Beat.  Brought to you by Blue Apron, audiblepodcast.com/celtics, Casper, and American Farmer’s Network.  Available for download on iTunes and Stitcher on Sunday, Ma

Time for the unofficial official 2015-16 Season in Review show for the Boston Celtics.  It was still a bit too fresh from their loss to the Atlanta Hawks to do it two weeks ago, and there was still a lot to take away from that particular postseason series in the Eastern Conference Quarter-Finals.  But now, it’s time... Mike Gorman, Celtics play-by-play announcer returns to the show and joins LHR to run through the entire 2015-16 campaign on the 157th edition of Celtics Beat.  The Celtics’ voice will not just recap the entire season which began at this time last year with the off-season, but Mike will go through his off-season intuitions, pre-season predictions, in-season thoughts and other musings and thoughts that come to his mind when recapping this last calendar year.  Mr. Gorman and LHR will shoot through what they felt was the turning point of the season, what was less-obvious things were accomplished this year, the wins against the Cleveland Cavaliers and Golden State Warriors, the early-season frustra

Scrap those five-point plans on getting Kevin Durant to the Boston Celtics this summer.  There’s still a bit of a wait-and-see game there with the Oklahoma City Thunder in the midst of a huge playoff series against the San Antonio Spurs in the NBA Playoffs.  So until that series reaches a conclusion and if the Spurs can take care of business, the Thunder remain overwhelming favorites in keeping their superstar.  So let’s talk about what we have in front of us and that still being a fairly fresh, and wildly successful 2016 Celtics campaign in the NBA.  This week, we’ll get the red pen out and dish out report cards. Kyle Draper, host of Celtics Pre + Postgame live on Comcast Sports Net New England is today’s only guest and he’ll play the role of professor as he and LHR hand out their grades.  Where did they agree and disagree? How much should injuries detract from the breakout seasons of Avery Bradley, Kelly Olynyk and Jae Crowder? Despite struggling in the postseason, can you give anything less than a straigh

That’s a wrap on the 2016 NBA Playoffs and season for the Boston Celtics.  The Atlanta Hawks have dispatched the Celtics in six games and are moving on to the second round to face LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers while Boston is going home.  We’ll put the final bow on the Eastern Conference Quarter-Finals series and recap Game 6 with Jared Weiss of The Garden Report. Bob Ryan returns to the show as today’s featured guest segment.  Mr. Ryan too will recap the series against Atlanta and go a bit more in depth as he offers his take on whether or not Brad Stevens was outcoached by Mike Budenholzer; whether the Celts’ effort levels at times during Games 5 and 6 were acceptable; whether Boston should’ve rested a few bodies down the stretch.  Professor Ryan will also get his red ink out and grade the Boston Celtics in 2016 as well as take some preliminary looks at the Celts’ off-season which starts with the NBA Draft Lottery on May 17th. It’s all on this week’s episode of Celtics Beat.  Brought to you by a

Well the Boston Celtics are back in this 2016 NBA Playoffs series against the Atlanta Hawks, but is it at a major price? Isaiah Thomas had a huge game against the Hawks but there’s much to discuss about what the deal will be from the NBA league office. Chris Vivlamore of the Atlanta Journal Constitution is back on the CLNS Radio airwaves to talk about Boston’s big Game 3 win over the Hawks.  How’d they do it? How much of an impact did that home crowd the C’s had at the TD Garden? What adjustments, if any, do the Hawks have to make? As short handed as the Celts are, can extend the series let alone beat the Hawks? And what about this whole Isaiah Thomas so-called incident? Has the NBA taken it too far micromanaging every non-basketball play? Isn’t the Marcus Smart flop worse in terms of impacting the integrity of the game? That and more as well as an appearance from Celtics Stuff Live Justin Poulin to discuss LHR’s latest article which ran this past week on CLNSRadio.com. It’s all on this week’s episode of C

The 2016 NBA Playoffs is underway and the Boston Celtics have drawn the Atlanta Hawks in the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals.  Celtics Beat will be released Sunday at 8 AM ET with a recap of Saturday night’s playoff opener. Chris Forsberg of ESPN Boston will be at Game 1 down in Atlanta, and then he’ll be on Celtics Beat to psychoanalyze everything that happened in the Celtics first playoff game with LHR, as well as what will happen in the rest of the series.  And while a day’s worth of NBA Playoffs games will be played, LHR and Chris will make their 2016 NBA Finals predictions. So tune into this week’s episode of Celtics Beat.  Brought to you by audiblepodcast.com/celtics, Casper, American Farmer’s Network, and Harry’s.  Available for download on iTunes and Stitcher on Sunday, April 17th 2016.  Powered by CLNS Radio. ENTER CONTEST FOR BOSTON CELTICS GAME 3 PLAYOFF TICKETS NOW: Subscribe, rate & review Celtics Beat on iTunes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Biggest regular season game...in a long time: The Boston Celtics battled it out Saturday night with the Atlanta Hawks in a fight for the NBA Eastern Conference third seed in the 2016 NBA Playoffs.  LHR recaps that as well as wins against the New Orleans Pelicans and Milwaukee Bucks and also looks at the possible benefits of being the fourth seed in the conference. Tas Melas of NBAtv continues on this conversation and discusses the best potential matchups for the Celtics in the playoffs.  They also discuss the hypothetical of a Celtics and Toronto Raptors playoff series should that ever come to fruition. Tas and LHR continue to make their way around the NBA as well, including the possibilities of the Cavaliers losing early as well as where they are leaning towards who will be in the NBA Finals.  It’s all this on this week’s episode of Celtics Beat.  Brought to you by audiblepodcast.com/celtics, Casper, American Farmer’s Network, and Harry’s.  Available for download on iTunes and Stitcher on Sunday, April 10t

Signature win...and then some.  Tough to put a capper on the Boston Celtics ending the 54 game home winning streak of the Golden State Warriors and becoming the first team in the 2015-16 NBA campaign to defeat the Dubs at the Oracle.  First off, how in the world did the Celts do this on a second night of a back-to-back, without Jae Crowder...and against a team that was 68-7?! Not only is this the trademark win of the Brad Stevens era, but was winning on Friday even more valuable than winning a playoff series? Leon Powe is today’s guest with LHR to talk about Friday’s huge win.  As well as: Who would win, Leon’s 2008 Celtics or this year’s Warriors or San Antonio Spurs team? How attractive is the Celtics situation to players in and around the league and can Boston be an enjoyable city to young NBA athletes? That’s not all, this week’s edition of Celtics Beat has the Celtics pregame segment for tonight’s game against the Los Angeles Lakers.  Around the NBA in 5 is back as well, to, you guessed it: Pile on the

Happy Easter! The Boston Celtics have righted the ship recently with some easy wins over some lackluster foes in the Philadelphia 76ers, Orlando Magic, and the Kyle Lowry-less Toronto Raptors.  LHR recaps the week that was including Saturday night’s contest against the Phoenix Suns in the 150th episode of Celtics Beat. Kevin Pelton of ESPN is this week’s featured guest on this Easter Sunday edition of Celtics Beat.  While the Celts have righted the ship to an extent, fans and media members alike have gotten a bit antsy over Marcus Smart’s shooting woes to say the least.  How is this affecting Smart’s development? Will this allow him to live up to expectations of being the sixth overall pick or should they be quelled a bit? And what about other contributors to this Boston team and their situations going forward? For example, what will it take for the Celtics to re-sign a guy like Jared Sullinger? No Around the NBA in 5 again, however with Pelton in the house -- there’s plenty of talk about the greatest team

Donut week: The worst case scenario as stated on Episode #148 has come true here for Episode #149 -- the Boston Celtics went winless this past week and are now riding a four game losing streak.  After losses to Paul George and the Indiana Pacers, Kevin Durant and the Oklahoma City Thunder, and the Toronto Raptors, the Boston Celtics will look to end their losing streak against the lowly Philadelphia 76ers tonight.  ESPN’s Chris Forsberg recaps the week and previews tonight’s game with LHR. Sekou Smith of NBAtv and NBA.com also makes a return appearance for today’s featured guest segment.  One major storyline this past week was Kevin Durant playing in Boston.  How realistic is it that he can be a Celtic next year and is he really a guy who can single handedly elevate a franchise like LeBron James can? LHR and Sekou go deep in this free-flowing feature which also includes chatter about the national perception of the Celtics and the city of Boston to prospective free agents and whether the historic 2016 Golden

Home winning streak snapped: The Houston Rockets came into Boston Friday night and ended the longest winning streak the Celts have had in Boston in nearly 25 years.  How troubling is this with the Celtics brutal schedule ahead? LHR and MassLive’s Jay King discuss whether the Celts should be given a bit of a mulligan for Friday with how good they’ve looked, such as a recent win against the Memphis Grizzlies. Michael Lee, senior NBA writer for The Vertical at Yahoo Sports offers up his vantage point on the Boston Celtics.  Michael’s been on recent assignment in Los Angeles covering the Celts’ arch-rival, the Lakers.  How does the job Danny Ainge and co. have done matchup with what LA has going for them? And which of these teams is in a better position to not just contend, but make the move to contend? It may not be the answer that you think. Most importantly, Kevin Durant -- another week of discussion.  Lee is yet another name in the national media who believes there’s a legitimate chance for the Celtics and

Elite in the East: The Boston Celtics sit alone at third in the Eastern Conference even after last night’s game against the Cleveland Cavaliers and a perfect homestand with victories over the Utah Jazz, Portland Trail Blazers, and New York Knicks. Howard Beck, senior NBA writer for Bleacher Report is yet another in the national media who’s attention has been directed at what’s going on in Boston.  Can the Celtics really compete with LeBron James and the Cavs this year and actually make the NBA Finals? But if not, is it now just a matter of time.  Is the long-term savior just around the door.  The Oklahoma City Thunder are underachieving and seemingly have no shot in the Western Conference.  So does that not make the Celtics a prime landing spot for Durant? The answer is: Yes! LHR gives Howard his plan and breakdown on how the Celts can put a plan in place to get their franchise cornerstone. All this on this week’s episode of Celtics Beat.  Brought to you by audiblepodcast.com/celtics, Casper, American Farme

The homestand has begun and the final stretch of the season is here.  The Boston Celtics have completed the first two legs of a five game home set with games against the Milwaukee Bucks and Miami Heat with the Utah Jazz on tap for tomorrow.  With Kelly Olynyk out, the Celts are dearly missing his presence and treading water.  Can that continue or are they in a bit of trouble in these final 23 games? LHR has that and a brief recap of the week. Rich Gotham, President of the Boston Celtics is featured on today’s episode of Celtics Beat.  Rich discusses everything from the current play of the team, the perception of fans both towards the current product and the future prospects, as well as the state of the organization.  Has there been any change or changes in the mindset towards constructing the team with the way the league has shifted around to where it’s harder to acquire star players.  Will there be a more methodical process towards building the next great Celtics team? All this on this week’s episode of Ce

The NBA Trade Deadline has come and gone.  No moves for the Boston Celtics, but could there have been? There have been rumors that Jahlil Okafor was nearly sent to Boston before the Philadelphia 76ers backed out at the last second? Steve Bulpett of the Boston Herald stops by Celtics Beat to recap the deadline.  Bulpett may have been the man who cracked the code on the mysterious trade that Danny Ainge alluded to in Friday interviews in Boston.  It’s not just if Okafor was the guy, what was the level of interest in other Celtics players in the roster. Are there worries that the team may have ‘too many’ draft picks for Draft Night? And what about the other rumored deals for Dwight Howard or Al Horford? Were these at all legit? Celtics Beat isn’t done there.  The Celts have a game today against the Denver Nuggets and Justin Poulin will stop by for the Pregame segment.  And, it doesn’t end there...the triumphant return of Around the NBA in 5! All this on this week’s episode of Celtics Beat.  Brought to you by

NBA All Star Weekend is here.  Tonight’s game will feature Boston Celtics guard Isaiah Thomas and will air exclusively on TNT.  Celtics Beat is here right now as always and Larry H. Russell will use the NBA’s All Star game as well as this Thursday’s trade deadline to as ways to gauge different vantage points of amongst those on the inside and outside of the organization.  With the trade deadline approaching, are certain fans fantasies indirect barometer measurements of where this team is really at? ESPN New Hampshire’s Patrick Gilroy weighs in, and don’t worry there’ll be plenty of talks regarding the deadline. Steve Smith of NBAtv and Turner Sports stops by for a little All Star game sitdown as he and LHR go Around the NBA and the Eastern Conference.  Can the Celtics or any team for that matter compete with the Cleveland Cavaliers or are they a dead mortal lock from the Finals? And can anything stop a Golden State Warriors v. San Antonio Sports Western Conference Finals showdown? You’ll be surprised at Stev

Think the rumor mill is on fire for the Boston Celtics? Think again.  The media has jumped on possibilities for the Celtics including Denver Nuggets Danilo Gallinari, Atlanta Hawks Al Horford and Houston Rockets Dwight Howard.  Are there serious trade conversations taking place? Adrian Wojnarowski of The Vertical right now says no...at least not yet.  In fact, should fans be gearing up for the Celtics not even making a major move this deadline? Possibly even this summer.  What about Oklahoma City Thunder Kevin Durant or Los Angeles Clippers Blake Griffin? Are they possibilities.  All this and more with Woj. The Celtics are also back in action today against the Sacramento Kings after a HUGE win against the Cleveland Cavaliers.  LHR chats with Justin Poulin of Celtics Stuff Live to recap the week and preview today’s game on Super Bowl Sunday. Celtics Beat is brought to you by audiblepodcast.com/celtics, Casper, American Farmer’s Network, and Harry’s.  Available for download on iTunes and Stitcher Sunday, Feb

Have the Boston Celtics turned the cornah?! This won’t be the first time you’ll hear that really annoying cliche phrase! It’s the theme of the latest edition of Celtics Beat as LHR asks that question to himself, to which he answers as well as to ESPN Boston’s Chris Forsberg who’s back in the house. So many questions and so many answers! Have they turned the corner? Whom in the NBA would you trade the Nets pick for? Was it truly beneficial the team made the NBA Playoffs last year? Are Kelly Olynyk and Jae Crowder truly valuable pieces in a trade? Is this team playing an entertaining enough brand of basketball to appease the diehards and entertain casual fans? All of this and more with LHR and Chris. Jeff Turner also re-appears on the show to breakdown the Celtics victory Friday night over the Orlando Magic, as well as look at tonight’s game in the Boston Celtics Pre-Game segment. Celtics Beat is brought to you by audiblepodcast.com/celtics, Casper, American Farmer’s Network, and Harry’s.  Available for down

It’s the 30th anniversary for the 1986 Boston Celtics championship.  Is that the best single season team in NBA history? Bob Ryan, author, commentator, and longtime columnist for the Boston Globe is the most well-regarded individual to answer that question and he’ll join Celtics Beat to offer his take with host Larry H. Russell.  LHR and Bob will relive that season in a way so unique from any other entity.  Are there any arguments as to what teams were better.  What about Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar led Lakers in 1987? Or any of the best Michael Jordan Chicago Bulls teams such as those in 1992 or 1996? Yes, we may be in the midst of the NBA season and LHR will touch briefly upon the week and what lies ahead.  But a special season does call for the occasional special show.  So the tradition-seekers will definitely appreciate the 141st edition of Celtics Beat. Celtics Beat is brought to you by audiblepodcast.com/celtics, Casper, American Farmer’s Network, and Harry’s.  Available for download on iTu

After a rough stretch of a lot of losing, the Boston Celtics are seemingly back on track.  Yes, they missed a golden opportunity to really establish themselves as one of the better teams in the Eastern Conference, but the Celtics were at a point where there season could’ve gone ary. However, the season has been a little stale.  The lack of improvement from last year, while not crippling in any sense of the imagination, to the franchise is still agitating to the fans.  If fans are a little frustrated with the lack of improvement thus far, it may be best to check out CSNNE’s series on the 1986 Boston Celtics.  LHR will get some brief words with Skip Perham from The Network.  Consider this a therapy edition of Celtics Beat. To continue in that mold, we haven’t gone Around the NBA in 5 recently. So why don’t we go Around the NBA in about 20? Or better yet, just discuss the two teams that are on a head-on collision to decide the Larry O’Brien trophy (and possibly in January!) - the Golden State Warriors and San