They're Gonna Call It A Hard Foul?!

Send us a text

PRESEASON Baskeball baby: Boston Celtics taking on the Denver Nuggets in Abu Dhabi!

Can the New York Knicks transform their fortunes with the acquisition of Karl-Anthony Towns? Join us as we navigate the complexities of the NBA's latest blockbuster trade, which sees Towns heading to New York, with Julius Randle and Dante DiVincenzo making their way to Minnesota.  

Support the show

Send us a text

What if the Boston Celtics' financial woes could reshape the future of the NBA? In this episode, we tackle the escalating conflict between team owner Wyc Grousbeck and his father Irv over the Celtics' massive payroll and luxury tax burdens. With a potential $500 million payroll looming, we explore the possibility of a team sale and the unique challenges of not owning TD Garden. Prospective buyers might find the $6 billion price tag daunting, especially without the revenue from an owned arena, leading to speculation on potential roster shake-ups and the need for a new owner to secure their own stadium.

Could the reigning champions pull off a repeat? We dissect the Celtics' prospects this season, emphasizing their maintained core roster amidst fierce competition in the Western and Eastern Conferences. The focus shifts to key players like Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, exploring their drive and hunger for another championship. We also highlight roster developments in teams like Oklahoma City and the health concerns of Eastern Conference rivals, offering a comprehensive look at the Celtics' chances of defending their title.

As we wrap things up, we debate the future of the Celtics and their budding legends. Comparing current stars to past greats like Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett, we examine individual achievements and team success. Our predictions for win totals for the Thunder, Nuggets, and Celtics add an extra layer of excitement. With preseason games in Europe and the regular season approaching, this episode is a must-listen for any Celtics fan eagerly anticipating what's in store.

Support the show

Send us a text

Join us as we explore the curious case of Lonnie Walker, who recently signed with the Boston Celtics on an Exhibit 10 contract. Despite his notable stats and improved three-point shooting, this talented athlete settled for a non-guaranteed deal. We dissect the potential reasons, and analyze how this signing fits into the Celtics' broader strategy. Former BABC assistant coach and current Quincy High School Boys varsity basketball coach, Matt Ramponi, lends his perspective on Walker's athleticism and the importance of youth basketball programs in local communities.

Navigate the complexities of coaching with us while we spotlight Joe Mazzulla's impactful journey with the Celtics. From his personal connections to his evolving coaching philosophy, Mazzulla's experience offers valuable insights for both professional and high school basketball settings. We promise an engaging discussion on how family ties and community roots shape coaching styles and success. Coach Ramponi also shares his experiences with the Mazzulla familiy through AAU and BABC basketball.

Finally, immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of high school basketball as we reflect on its past, present, and future. From the pivotal role of alumni in fostering a sense of community to the challenges of building relationships and overcoming adversity, our conversation covers it all. Coach Ramponi's anecdotes about memorable games, overcoming socioeconomic disparities, and the significance of extracurricular activities provide a nuanced understanding of the high school/aau basketball scene. This episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about basketball and community development.

Support the show

Send us a text

What could the Boston Celtics look like under the ownership of Jeff Bezos? Join us for an eye-opening conversation with Jake Issenberg (@jakeissenberg), host of the First of the Floor (@First2TheFloor) podcast, as we discuss Bezos, Tatum, Yabu, and the 24-25 Celtics win totals.

Support the show

Send us a text

Why would Steve Kerr bench Jason Tatum in favor of less accomplished players like Devin Booker? We dive headfirst into this puzzling decision in our fiery discussion, "Steve Kerr is an Asshat." 

Mike made sure that this episode in definitely NSFW!

Support the show

Send us a text

In this episode, we break down the offseason moves, focusing on the crucial contract extensions for Sam Hauser, Derek White, and Tatum. You'll get an inside look at the financial aspects of Hauser's four-year deal and its significance compared to other league contracts. We also discuss the implications of these extensions on the Celtics' future, including how they plan to manage player workloads to avoid burnout and maintain roster stability.

But that's not all—we also evaluate the Celtics' rookies and prospects, focusing on Jordan Springer, Watson, Jordan Walsh, and Baylor Scheierman. Watson's NBA potential, Walsh's struggles, and Scheierman's versatility are all up for discussion. Plus, hear about the Grousbeck family’s role in Celtics' ownership and what that means for the team’s financial and strategic decisions moving forward. 

Finally, we tackle the uncertainties facing the Celtics, such as the financial and contractual challenges of retaining stars like Kristaps Porzingis, Jrue Holiday, and Derrick White. We also explore the impact of recent changes in sports broadcasting on fan experience and the importance of maintaining the Celtics' culture under potential new ownership. 

Support the show

Send us a text

What if selling one of the NBA's most storied franchises could reshape its entire future? Join us on Hard Foul for an exclusive deep dive with Michael Pina of The Ringer as we discuss Wyc Grousbeck's shocking decision to put the Boston Celtics up for sale. Discover the stability Grousbeck has provided since taking over and the potential instability that comes with new ownership. We'll speculate on possible buyers and the financial hurdles they could face, including the challenges of navigating the NBA's salary cap and luxury tax rules.

The conversation intensifies as we break down the recent contract extensions for Jayson Tatum and Derrick White, highlighting the Celtics' commitment to long-term stability. Tatum's groundbreaking value on and off the court and White's versatile two-way skills are pivotal to Boston's strategy, making these extensions more than just financial decisions—they're a statement of intent. These moves reflect the Celtics' dedication to building a resilient, team-oriented roster, poised to maintain their recent championship success.

But that's not all—our episode also covers major NBA moves and the ripple effects they might cause. From Isaiah Hartenstein's new chapter in OKC to Jalen Brunson's standing as a top-ten player, we leave no stone unturned. We scrutinize the Philadelphia 76ers' latest additions and ongoing playoff woes, comparing Joel Embiid's skills to those of Nikola Jokic. Special thanks to Michael Pina for joining the pod!

Support the show

Send us a text

What if the Boston Celtics could maintain their championship momentum while facing fierce competition from revamped rivals?  We take a deep dive into the NBA's latest trades, focusing on the Knicks' strategic move to acquire Mikal Bridges. We break down the implications of these trades and speculate on how they shift the balance of power in the Eastern Conference, with teams gearing up to challenge the Celtics' supremacy.

Relive the pivotal moments that transformed the Boston Celtics from a team in rebuild to NBA champions. We recount the seismic trade that sent Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce to Brooklyn and the strategic drafting of key players like Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. You'll hear about the crucial decisions made by Danny Ainge, the surprising rise of Isaiah Thomas, and the game-changing acquisition of Al Horford. 

Peek into the Celtics' recent evolution and their future prospects, guided by the astute leadership of Brad Stevens and Joe Mazzulla. We reflect on the controversial moves, such as letting Grant Williams walk and trading Marcus Smart, that have reshaped the team. Discover how the acquisitions of Kristaps Porzingis and Jrue Holiday have empowered Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown to lead the franchise into a new era. We also delve into offseason challenges, such as retaining key players and strategizing for the draft. With insights on maintaining a championship nucleus, we express optimism about the Celtics' future and hint at special guests who will provide further analysis in our next episode.

Support the show

Send us a text

Ready to relive the Boston Celtics' exhilarating journey to their 18th NBA championship? Join us as we recount the electric game that showcased the Celtics' impenetrable defense and standout performances from Jalen Brown and Jason Tatum. We'll break down key moments, like Derek White's dogged defensive plays and the poignant exit of Al Horford. Celebrate the team's unselfish play and impeccable home record, as well as the coach's classy end-game decisions. Feel the excitement of the crowd and the pride of Celtics fans, leaving us all hopeful for another successful season with the core team set to return.

Dive into the tactical brilliance of Game 5 against the Dallas Mavericks, where Boston's defensive strategies and Joe Mazzulla's sharp coaching took center stage. Hear our heartfelt thoughts on the joy of witnessing this championship run, the personal connections forged, and the special memories created. From waking up our young family members to savoring unselfish team play, this episode is a celebration of not just a spectacular season, but the timeless bonds that sports create.

Support the show

Send us a text

Can the Boston Celtics overcome their Game 4 blow out loss and secure the championship in Game 5 at the Garden? Jim gives a dive deep into the heart of the Celtics' performance, dissecting where they fell short and plotting the critical adjustments needed to dominate the court at the Garden. We’ll explore how their offensive strategy crumbled, leaving them stuck with contested threes, and how defensively, they let stars like Kyrie Irving and Luka Doncic slice through their setup. With Kristaps Porzingis sidelined, we’ll discuss how leveraging Jrue Holiday in the post and employing high screen-and-rolls could tip the scales in Boston's favor. 

Anticipation is building as we look ahead to Game 5, where the energy of the home crowd could be the spark the Celtics need for a fast start. Jim delves into the mental state of a key Mavericks player and how it might impact their performance, while sharing why there's a wave of optimism for a Celtics victory. Get ready for a riveting analysis packed with insights and strategies that could pave the way for Boston's celebration. Rally behind the Celtics with me and let’s prepare for a showdown that could seal their championship dreams!

Support the show