Hold My Banner

With a deep dive into the future of the NBA. All eyes are on Cooper Flagg, the top prospect out of Duke University—will he be the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft? The guys break down his game, compare him to other top prospects, and discuss the potential draft battle between Flagg, Dylan Harper, and Ace Bailey, two standout freshman at Rutgers who are quickly making their mark as future NBA stars.

The guys shift gears to the latest happenings in the NBA, including a look at the Boston Celtics' recent performance and a prediction for their upcoming game against the Raptors. They also touch on the current NBA power rankings, giving their thoughts on the top teams and players so far this season.

In this week's “Win In 7”, Ountae challenges Travis to guess the NBA player he’s thinking of through seven questions and a final silhouette reveal—can you guess the player before the big reveal?

The Pistons are on the rise, sitting 8th in the Eastern Conference, and the duo discusses if Detroit can truly make a playoff push. With Cade Cunningham playing at an All-Star level, what’s different about this Pistons team, and what’s their next step?

On the trade front, Jimmy Butler’s situation in Miami is heating up. Despite multiple offers for the star, Pat Riley hasn’t shown urgency to move Butler, and the player himself has made it clear he wants out. Where will Jimmy Butler end up, and what’s really going on behind the scenes in Miami?

Travis and Ountae also give you their NBA League Pass picks—Travis calls Pacers at Pistons a game you won’t want to miss, while Ountae is all in on Magic at Bucks for the Giannis Antetokounmpo - Paolo Banchero showdown.

Finally, Travis shares his thoughts on Anthony Edwards’ recent antics, why he's hurting his reputation in the league, and why you can’t be the face of the NBA if you’re playing the villain role.

Tune in to this packed episode of Hold My Banner and join Travis Thomas and Ountae Campbell for all the latest NBA talk! Catch 'Hold My Banner every Wednesday and Friday on NESN's Youtube, Twitch, Facebook, and wherever you listen to podcasts.

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00:00 Intro 

03:33 Celtics Performance and Raptors Prediction

07:10 NBA Power Rankings

12:48 Cooper Flagg Scouting Report & 2025 Draft Talk

27:27 “Win In 7” - Guess the Player

33:53 Are the Pistons a Playoff Team?

39:28 Jimmy Butler Trade Saga

48:03 Must Watch NBA League Pass Games

51:31 Travis’ Closing Thoughts on Anthony Edwards

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The hosts discuss Brandon Jennings' bold claim that Jayson Tatum is the "softest superstar in Celtics history". Is there any truth to it? How do the guys feel about Tatum’s fiery Instagram response? Tune in as they debate whether the Celtics star deserves more respect or if there's some validity to Jennings' comments.

Next, they break down the Celtics vs. Nuggets recap — did Boston fall short or was Denver just too good? With the Kings on deck tonight, Travis and Tae give their thoughts on what to expect in the upcoming matchup. Then, it's the Thunder vs. Cavaliers game, and they recap the most exciting moments from that one. Plus, the guys give their take on Jayson Tatum’s MVP candidacy and why Tatum is arguably one of the most undervalued superstars in the league.

Things get fun with another round of Wicked Or Kick It where they judge NBA players’ outfits! RJ Barrett, DeAndre Ayton, and Devin Booker are all under the fashion microscope — if it’s wicked, it stays; if it’s not, they kick it to the curb!

They also tackle the latest NBA All-Star starters voting, making their picks for who should be starting and discussing the most recent fan voting results.

And don’t miss their NBA League Pass Game of the Week picks: Tae’s watching some LA hoops and Travis is hyped for Thunder vs. Knicks.

It’s a packed episode filled with fiery debates, fashion critiques, and everything NBA fans need to know this week! Tune in for all this and more on the latest episode of Hold My Banner with Travis Thomas and Ountae Campbell! Catch 'Hold My Banner every Wednesday and Friday on NESN's Youtube, Twitch, Facebook, and wherever you listen to podcasts.

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00:00 Intro

05:30 Celtics Vs Nuggets Recap

07:45 Kings At Celtics Preview

10:00 Thunder Vs Cavs Recap

14:35 Jayson Tatum Undervalued As MVP

17:45 The Rebuttal

20:05 Jayson Tatum Vs Brandon Jennings “Softest Superstar In Celtics History”

29:10 Wicked Or Kick It - NBA Fashion

37:39 NBA All-Star Starters Ballot

48:42 Must Watch NBA League Pass Games

51:10 Outro

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We break down the upcoming Thunder vs. Cavaliers matchup, discussing which team they’ve been more impressed by so far this season. They also share their score predictions and debate which team they trust more in a potential playoff series.

The conversation then takes a turn to one of the most exciting players in the league right now—Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. The guys challenge each other with a list of NBA greats, asking, “Stop me when you hear a better player than Shai.” From Gilbert Arenas to Giannis and even Jayson Tatum, who comes close to Shai’s level?

Tune in to hear Travis Thomas and Ountae Campbell’s takes on this exciting matchup and Shai’s place among the NBA elite on the latest episode of Hold My Banner! Catch 'Hold My Banner' every Wednesday and Friday on NESN's Youtube, Twitch, Facebook, and wherever you listen to podcasts.

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#NBA #Cavaliers #OKCThunder

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The guys jump into the latest NBA trade rumors surrounding Jimmy Butler and Bradley Beal. Where will they land, and what teams should be making moves for these star players? Travis and Ountae break down the latest talks, including reports that the Grizzlies were told not to trade for Jimmy Butler and whether he could be a fit for the Suns. Meanwhile, Beal has said he’d waive his no-trade clause for the Lakers, Heat, or Nuggets—will one of these teams make a play for him?

The conversation heats up as they discuss the potential playoff implications of these trades. Are the Celtics really beatable in a playoff series? Can anyone stand up to the Celtics in the East or even the West?

Then, the guys shift focus to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's rise. Is he already better than some of the NBA’s all-time greats? Travis and Ountae debate where he ranks among legends like Gilbert Arenas, Penny Hardaway, Ja Morant, Luka Doncic, and more.

The episode also includes a preview of the Thunder vs. Cavaliers matchup—who’s been more impressive so far, and which team do they trust more in a playoff series? Plus, what’s their score prediction?

For NBA League Pass fans, the hosts recommend their top games to watch this week, including a Rockets vs. Grizzlies clash and the Battle of the Aliens—Wemby vs. Giannis!

Finally, as the New Year rolls on, the guys share their resolutions for NBA teams. Travis wants the Nuggets to find their defensive identity and is calling for Giannis to get out of Milwaukee, while Ountae is pushing for better player health and a fresh start for the Jazz’s Lauri Markkanen.

Tune in for all this and more on the latest episode of Hold My Banner with Travis Thomas and Ountae Campbell! Catch 'Hold My Banner' every Wednesday and Friday on NESN's Youtube, Twitch, Facebook, and wherever you listen to podcasts.

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00:00 Intro 

02:12 Gelo Ball’s New Song

05:28 Celtics West Coast Trip Recap

11:10 Eastern Conference Taking Shape

14:55 Jimmy Butler & Bradley Beal Trade

20:00 Are The Celtics Beatable In The Playoffs?

25:00 Jimmy Butler & Bradley Beal Trade Pt.2

30:40 Stop Me When You Hear A Better Player Than SGA

39:45 Thunder Vs Cavs

43:47 Must Watch NBA League Pass Games

45:25 New Year’s Resolutions For The NBA Teams

50:52 Trav’s Closing Thoughts

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Ryan Hollins shares unforgettable stories about his time in the NBA, including how Kevin Garnett saved his career. Ryan talks about the impact KG had on him both on and off the court, showing him that the game is about more than just business. He reflects on the leadership KG provided, how it influenced the Celtics, and what it was like to play alongside one of basketball’s greatest.

Ryan also opens up about his journey from humble beginnings in Pasadena to becoming a UCLA Bruin, revealing how growing up in a basketball-driven area shaped his career. He discusses the UCLA team’s surprising National Championship run, and how a team that struggled the year before came together through humility and hard work.

As Ryan recounts his draft day experience, he shares the challenges of being overlooked despite his athleticism and how he kept his confidence through the uncertainty. From not receiving a green room invite to being selected during a commercial break, Ryan’s story is a reminder of the perseverance it took to make it in the NBA.

The conversation also dives into Ryan’s time in the NBA, including his relationships with players like Paul Pierce, Vince Carter, and Chris Paul, and his perspective on competing against LeBron James during his rise to greatness. Ryan shares his all-time starting five of favorite teammates and gives insight into his pre-game music playlist, which includes legends like Jay-Z, Tupac, and Jeezy.

As the episode wraps up, Ryan gives his thoughts on the current Celtics and their chances at a repeat. He also offers advice to young players, stressing the importance of loving the game and developing skills, particularly for big men.

Don’t miss this insightful and entertaining episode of Hold My Banner, with Travis Thomas, Ountae Campbell, and Ryan Hollins, as they discuss basketball past and present, with plenty of stories, laughs, and wisdom along the way!Catch 'Hold My Banner' every Wednesday and Friday on NESN's Youtube, Twitch, Facebook, and wherever you listen to podcasts.

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00:00 - Intro 

02:08 - UCLA National Championship Run

05:10 - Considering Coaching & Player Development

07:09 - Draft Day Story

12:07 - Adam Morrison and the Sweet 16 Moment

14:54 - The NBA Experience: Trades & Life Lessons

17:32 - Lessons from Veterans in the NBA

20:55 - Time with the Boston Celtics & KG’s Impact

28:27 - LeBron’s Growth and the 2012 ECF

32:11 - Ryan’s Starting Five

35:19 - Pre-Game Music Playlist

37:08 - Thoughts on the Current Celtics

41:07 - Advice for Young Players

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Ryan Hollins talks about the 2012 Eastern Conference Finals, where LeBron James proved to Ryan that he was the greatest of all time. Despite the doubts about LeBron's clutch abilities, Ryan recalls how LeBron's growth as a player was undeniable, especially in his Game 6 performance against the Celtics. Ryan shares how that series made him realize that LeBron was not only a dominant force but also mentally tough, silencing critics and solidifying his place as the GOAT. The guys break down how the Celtics tried, and ultimately failed, to stop LeBron’s historic run.

All this and more on Hold My Banner with George Balekji, Ountae Campbell, and Ryan Hollins! Catch 'Hold My Banner' every Wednesday and Friday on NESN's Youtube, Twitch, Facebook, and wherever you listen to podcasts.

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Dee Brown joins to reflect on his time with the Boston Celtics, including his unforgettable moments with Larry Bird. Dee shares some fun (and clean!) stories about playing alongside Bird and how the Celtics’ historic legacy shaped his career. Larry Bird was the ultimate competitor but also the ultimate teammate and Dee found that out quickly!

He also talks about the emotional experience of being traded by the Celtics and Rick Pitino, his relationship with the late Reggie Lewis, and his transition to playing for the Raptors and Magic. Dee recalls his iconic Dunk Contest win, including the famous "no-look" dunk, and his partnership with Reebok during his career.

Dee reflects on his journey from Jacksonville to the NBA, his time with Tracy McGrady in Orlando, and the pride he felt when his daughter was drafted by the Connecticut Sun, following in his footsteps.

Join Travis, Ountae, and Dee for an insightful episode filled with basketball stories, personal memories, and reflections on an incredible career! Catch 'Hold My Banner' every Wednesday and Friday on NESN's Youtube, Twitch, Facebook, and wherever you listen to podcasts.

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00:22 – Dee Brown on His Legacy & Connection to Boston

02:04 – How Playing for the Celtics Shaped Dee’s Career

04:55 – Dee Brown Shares Some Larry Bird Stories

08:15 – The Impact of Getting Traded by Rick Pitino

13:20 – Remembering Reggie Lewis and Dee’s Time with the Celtics

18:30 – The Differences Between the Celtics and Later Teams

22:07 – Life After the Dunk Contest and All-Rookie Honors

25:18 – The "No-Look" Dunk: Dee Brown’s Game-Changer

28:25 – Dee Brown’s Cultural Impact and Reebok Pumps

33:55 – The Decision to Join the Orlando Magic

36:54 – Being a Hooper from Jacksonville, Florida

39:59 – The 90s Hip-Hop Vibes: Dee Brown's Pre-Game Playlist

44:17 – Dee Brown Talks About the Current Celtics Team

48:45 – Passing the Torch: Dee’s Daughter Drafted by the Connecticut Sun

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Dee Brown opens up about his unique experience with the Boston Celtics, including getting traded by his coach Rick Pitino, who was also the team's General Manager at the time. Dee dives into how that trade impacted him and whether it changed his perspective on the business side of basketball. Dee also reflects on his time in Boston, sharing memories of playing alongside Celtics legends like Larry Bird while transitioning into the Pitino era. The conversation takes a heartfelt turn as Dee talks about his close relationship with the late Reggie Lewis, a Baltimore legend, and how their bond shaped his Celtics journey.

All this and more on Hold My Banner with Travis Thomas, Ountae Campbell, and Dee Brown! Catch 'Hold My Banner' every Wednesday and Friday on NESN's Youtube, Twitch, Facebook, and wherever you listen to podcasts.

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Kobe Bryant and the Lakers championship window closed the day this trade got vetoed. Mitch Kupchak opens up about one of the most controversial moments in NBA history—the 2011 Chris Paul trade. Kupchak, who was then the Lakers' general manager, was on the verge of securing a deal to bring the star point guard to LA, only for the league to step in and veto the trade. Mitch shares his frustration with the decision, asserting that the trade was fully supported by both general managers and should have gone through. The world will never know how the legendary duo of Chris Paul and Kobe Bryant would have panned out. 

Mitch reflects on the impact that veto had on the Lakers, including how it changed the trajectory for players like Pau Gasol and Lamar Odom. He talks candidly about whether it felt like the league had it out for the Lakers, especially when it came to potential dynasties. But that’s just the start of the conversation—Mitch dives into his transition from NBA player to front office executive, his time working alongside Jerry West, and the invaluable lessons he learned about trusting his instincts.

The episode also touches on Mitch’s deep connection with Kobe Bryant, how he watched him grow up in the league, and what made Kobe so special. He also discusses the Celtics' current rise under Brad Stevens, shares his thoughts on the 2010 Lakers-Celtics Finals, and even reflects on the legacy of Michael Jordan—his first encounter with MJ, and how Jordan would dominate the modern game.

Mitch’s perspective on the evolution of the game is fascinating, as he compares the physical, pre-3-point days to today’s high-skill, perimeter-oriented NBA. He shares his admiration for the game's growth and its popularity today, despite some of the changes that long-time fans might find difficult.

Don’t miss this inside look at one of the most dramatic moments in NBA history and a legendary career, all on Hold My Banner with hosts Travis Thomas & Ountae Campbell! Catch 'Hold My Banner' every Wednesday and Friday on NESN's Youtube, Twitch, Facebook, and wherever you listen to podcasts.

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3:20 – Mitch recalls his 1986 fight with Hakeem Olajuwon and defending the Lakers' title.

5:50 – Jerry West offers Mitch a role in the Lakers front office.

7:10 – What Mitch learned from Jerry West’s instinctive approach.

9:15 – Kupchak dives deep into the infamous 2011 Chris Paul trade veto.

14:00 – Did the league have it out for the Lakers? Kupchak shares his thoughts.

16:00 – Winning Time and its portrayal of the Lakers dynasty.

18:52 – Mitch on his relationship with Kobe Bryant.

22:45 – Kupchak speaks on Brad Stevens’ leadership of the Boston Celtics.

25:55 – Mitch’s favorite championship wins—1985 vs. the Celtics and 2010 as an executive.

27:56 – Michael Jordan: From shy freshman to basketball legend.

35:00 – Mitch’s thoughts on the modern NBA and the new era of basketball.

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Mitch Kupchak recalls his first encounter with a young Michael Jordan during the 1982 NCAA Finals. At the time, Jordan was just a shy freshman, but Mitch quickly saw something special in him. Fast forward to today, and Mitch reflects on how Jordan's competitiveness hasn’t changed. He’s still deeply immersed in the game, whether it’s dominating on the golf course or analyzing basketball. Mitch believes that if Jordan were playing in today’s NBA, he'd be averaging a jaw-dropping 40-45 points per game with the modern rules.

Listen to Mitch’s take on Michael Jordan’s unmatched drive and legacy in this must-hear clip from Hold My Banner with Travis Thomas & Ountae Campbell! Catch 'Hold My Banner' every Wednesday and Friday on NESN's Youtube, Twitch, Facebook, and wherever you listen to podcasts.

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