Are the Celtics as Good as the Stats Suggest? | The Bill Simmons Podcast

The Ringer’s Bill Simmons is joined by Ryen Russillo to check in on the Celtics as they sit comfortably on top of the Eastern Conference.
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[@spl1x]

One of my favorite changes this season is JB straight up bulldozing defenders instead of trying to dribble through the defense.

[@knowsmebyname]

Great point/post. Jaylen has brought his game to another level a year after we figured he would level off. As you mentioned his authority taking it to the basket. Or his defensive intensity. He continues to improve his skill set while maintaining a high effort level. He has made his contract a non issue with his work ethic.

[@spl1x]

Jaylen isn't perfect, he comes with his flaws. Trust and believe that I was on JB's shit for his turnovers and just flat out brain farts. I mean, he had one just the other night on D. I swear I watched a replay where it looked like he was planning his next dunk in his head while not paying attention to his cover while getting smoked. I can forgive those moments now, though, because he has worked himself into a beast in the paint and on D physically. That man works. But, please Jaylen, i implore you as a fan...FOCUS, bro. Your physicality can't be matched, your focus certainly can.@@knowsmebyname

[@jamesmckenna4460]

Beautiful Chris Cornell pfp my friend, loud love. And yes, the C's should be favorites to rep the east

[@spl1x]

Werd, thank you for loving that man as much as we all do. At this point I want it more for Jay and Jaylen then for me so they can stop listening to the shit. Look, I'm not saying it isn't well deserved, but these young men are special. I'm a fat old white dude and I can see the impact these guys could have. I want that championship impact for them. They are legit good fucking dudes. Gotta root for that.@@jamesmckenna4460

[@donf5269]

That’s fine until he bulldozes someone during a pivotal moment in the playoffs and is called for a offensive foul. He’s often times out of control

[@braxteneilert6012]

Jaylen Brown is playing the best basketball of his career. Leads the league in on ball defense fg%, has the highest % fadeaway conversion in the league, career high ast and ast/to. He is asked to do less with all this talent around him and he has improved on the edges more than most realize.

[@Papa_Static]

The turnovers were such a huge issue before that I can't believe more people aren't bringing it up more often.

[@deeptime5581]

handles have improved dramatically@@Papa_Static

[@jakeworm4178]

On ball defense fg% is a product of great team defense and highest fadeaway % is not important because it’s not the kind of shot you want to take consistently in the playoffs. Idk if I’m paying this guy 50 million a year when you have to pay everyone else. JB is a very good player but I think this has to be the year if they wanna keep him as number 2 with JT moving forward

[@JaGra-tm2mw]

Bill Simmons pea brain can't think deeply enough and doesn't have the memory retention of a fruit fly... So bi Simmons will never speak about anything of substance

[@JaGra-tm2mw]

​@@jakeworm4178buddy to even discuss getting rid of jaylen brown is so beyond stupid I can't even begin to break down the 5,000 reasons you NEVER... EEEVER get rid of a guy like jaylen brown A. The Celtics not ONLY have everybody's bird rights and are able to sign literally anyone on their team to extensions for literally as long as they want to... B. The Celtics actually got porzingus at an INCREDIBLE PRICE... and "only" have to pay porzingus 30 million dollars a year for the 3 years following this season... Which saved us about 15-20 million a year BEFORE THE TAX APRON KICKS IN... which when ur on the 2nd apron like the Celtics are... 30 million would really cost the owners about 47 million dollars a year Derek white will sign for between 25-30 million dollars a year... Something along the lines of... 5 years 125 million or 3 years 90 million with a team option for the 4th year Jrue holiday is the biggest risk as far as which player the Celtics might lose out of their current starting 5... Holiday has a player option next season for I believe 37 million of he exercises the option... BUT the Celtics might be able to also talk jrue into signing a long term... Team friendly deal For guys like white and jrue... I think the chance of playing for a championship every season for the next 8-10 years overrides an extra 5-10 million dollars a year... 2 million to 4 million a year after taxes and agent fees So there's a REALLY REEEAAALLLY GOOD CHANCE the celtics retain all 5 of Tatum, Brown, Porzingus, Jrue and White for the foreseeable future

[@ElonDaOmnissiah]

“of course I’ve got 20 min to talk Celtics” - Bills answer to anyone’s question about anything

[@michaelturley8222]

lol and the answer to the question if he's being honest... no, because at the end of the day, they're still trying to win a championship by relying on Tatum and Brown as their number 1 and 2 options, and they just aren't going to give you 16-20 good games in a 24 game playoff run.

[@spl1x]

What's your team, sport?@@michaelturley8222

[@ArmyLT09]

Homer

[@nocturne311]

​@@michaelturley8222Another great take from Michael Turdley.

[@michaelturley8222]

all i do is win@@nocturne311

[@jjstraka1982]

They have to win the title to prove it at this point. Nothing else can be considered a success.

[@spl1x]

Sadly, yes. Actually, yes. Gotta win to be the best. Lots of shit to talk about afterwards, though.

[@JaGra-tm2mw]

Absolutely

[@tkinsey3]

Making it to the Finals and losing a close series could still be considered a success, IMHO, depending on who they play. But they ABSOLUTELY have to get out of the East. Any sort of series loss in the East is an abject failure.

[@JaGra-tm2mw]

@@tkinsey3 this season is a failure without banner 18

[@SamUHells]

Facts they could go 69-13 and they’d still not prove anything. A chip is all that counts at this point

[@the_auditor1017]

I wish Bill would do the NBA redraftables again. Such a fun series that was

[@WILDWAYNE001]

Yeah that was my favorite series

[@105anthony]

Especially the 'drop off' segments lmao

[@Riles3152]

Yes! This time from 2014 on up

[@jeffcressotti]

We need to enjoy this ride. No more nitpicking. This teams dynamic and probably their best team since big 3. Hate how much sports have become all or nothing and the ride is completely overlooked.

[@jackkaestner7424]

That’s the truth, nobody can just enjoy the season unless they go all the way

[@carltonrudolph]

yall better win it this year

[@jeffcressotti]

@@carltonrudolph you’ve completely missed the point. Modern day fan stuff. And then when they win it’s “well they should have won.” - Basically 0 joy in any of it.

[@rome8180]

I think the thing Ryen sees with Jaylen is his lack of "feel." There's always been something mechanical and unnatural about his game. This is the best I've seen him mesh with his teammates, and it STILL sometimes feels like he's in his own little world.

[@blackezi3]

Anyone who says Jaylen Brown "Does his own thing" and Derrick White is more important than him really does not watch the Celtics. Jaylen is literally the engine for this team. He is their MVP for setting the tone, especially in the 1st quarter. And is needed so teams aren't focusing 110% on Tatum. It also allows Tatum to coast and take his time during the game. Hate to say it, but it takes Tatum a while to get in a groove offensively in the beginning of games, Jaylen fills that void. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE Derrick White. But he benefits from the Jayson and Jaylen gravity to get him open shots. There are games when either Jayson or Jaylen are not playing and he is thrust in the #2 spot, and he struggles to get his shot off when he's double teamed. But he is certainly vital for this team as an elite playmaker and defender

[@105anthony]

Couldn't have said it better myself

[@slightexag]

You have to decide that scoring/ buying a bucket when the offense is stagnant is the most important skill in basketball to put JB over White. White does literally everything and fills in the gaps. I think overall impact and as part of a team, White is more valuable. JB is a better scorer no question. I think it's easier to fill the role of good scorer with decent defense and a mediocre handle than all an defense first team quality player who is in each of the team's best lineups with a ridiculous +/- and efficiency and whose ultimate role is playmaker first. Sure, White benefits from being around other talented offensive players, but he's never had a score-first profile. I think when it comes to net benefit even with scoring weighted more, White still provides more to the team. We just love to put players in a vacuum and admire offense, as if the most important thing is how well a guy plays one on one.

[@stewarthansen6592]

**Preface - not a Celtics fan, but a big NBA fan, so please correct if I’m wrong… but just based what I’ve seen I though in regard to importance to the Cs it’d be 1) Tatum 2) Brown 3a) Porzingis 3b) Derrick White All have been amazing, and White and Tingus Pingus feed off each other. But curious of y’all’s thoughts.

[@JaGra-tm2mw]

​@stewarthanseid out jrue ahead of white also n6592

[@Dachoseone2546]

lol

[@sherlockhomie16]

Bill has money, when can we get him a high definition webcam 😂

[@0168196250]

Dude is white man’s ocho. 😂

[@spl1x]

I've been a Bill Simmons fans since the early Boston Sports Guy days. I don't want to see him in HD.

[@ChryskylodonInstitute]

240p resolution is part of the Bill experience :D

[@spl1x]

Please, god, let it continue@@ChryskylodonInstitute

[@David-iv6je]

It's the Cybill Shepherd Moonlighting soft focus to increase his beauty as he ages.

[@jethrojacinto2798]

The only thing that will stop this 24 Celtics team is health and/or if the Celtics keep going back to their Achilles heel from the last 2 deep playoff runs of being stagnant on offense which killed them in the Finals vs Warriors and being down 0-3 vs Heat.

[@markbantz9699]

And Jokic! Get real!

[@dimitrijetucovic1307]

Lol you delusional Boston fans are hilarious

[@RittenhousesRifle]

@dimitrijetucovic1307 Cope harder, Ruski.

[@michaeln3044]

Jaylen has taken a lot of crap that’s nonsense. He’s never been close to a high turnover star. He’s always been asked to force offense. Before this year he was asked to be the porzingis change up and drive into traffic as our changeup. He had to carry the double most when people ignored smart and just pressured his wing. There is no one who can stop him in bully mode transition in the league. He mostly has performed strongly in playoffs minus the cut hand. He’s playing another level of defense this year. Serving as the quiet the best guy several times this year. He’s been a little chippy this year when we need it. He pushes the anyone’s night narrative more than anyone. And he consistently gives us great starts which have been huge for this team and an area we struggled in. He’s learned to cut better this year as well which has made him a bigger force. He leads the league in turnaround jumpers in that post area, and he’s improved passing. When he’s right he’s the most efficient guy on the planet as a second option.

[@christineryan6564]

The Celtics are the bawlz!

[@user-tv6ig4mx2o]

Truer words have never been spoken

[@davincidribbler7427]

On Tatum, people need to remember that back in the 2000s a lot of fans rated the likes of Iverson over Duncan, or a Monta Ellis over a Hedo Turkoglu or Andre Kirilenko. People analyse players wrong in the moment, and the same thing is happening now despite the enlightenment of advanced stats. In the fullness of time when the career stacks up he will be remembered as one of the best players in this generation hands down.

[@ronmexico7256]

Very few people thought Iverson was better than Duncan. Turkoglu was one of the most overrated players of that decade. The contract Turkoglu got was wild, good on him for getting the bag though 😂

[@JaGra-tm2mw]

TATUM might not be considered the best player in the NBA now... But Tatum ABSOLUTELY has a chance to be the best player in the NBA, AND the face of the NBA... The only players left for Tatum to surpass are jokic and Giannis, and that's because they have championships... Luka, sga, embiid, literally don't have as many playoff series wins COMBINED as Tatum has on his own... Tatum OWNS EMBIID IN THE PLAYOFFS... And the last time tatum met Giannis in the post season... The Celtics won And they won because tatum dropped 46!!! In game 6 when the bucks were up 3-2 on the Celtics, and tatums 46 in game 6 allowed the Celtics to win the series in 7 After Tatum wins the finals MVP this year... Tatum will be considered the best player on the planet by the end of June

[@michaelturley3457]

The crazy thing if AI had a few rings with the same stats there would be a lot of people that think he’s better than Duncan now because people overvalue inefficient scoring and undervalue defense. Just as Draymond Green and anyone that’s watched a lot of Russell Westbrook. To me it’s a joke anyone thinks Westbrook is a better player than Draymond but my guess is 80% if fans do. If you mean who is better at being the No. 1 option on a team of course Westbrook. But if you’re trying win it all, I think you’d be insane to take Russ over Draymond. And if you look at a lot of the better advanced stats like RAPTOR, they had Draymond as the second best player in the league before KD came, idk if I would go that far but it’s way more accurate than most fans that wouldn’t consider him a top 25 player during his prime. They think guys like Derozan were better in 2016

[@jammer9941]

I feel like the internet wouldn't know what to do if the Celtics won because 90% of comments seem to say they cant win.

[@jjstraka1982]

Of course the can. But they have to prove it after the last two years. They are at the point that easily getting the top-seed means nothing.

[@exilhamburger4802]

The jury is still out regarding the Porzingis trade (as a Mavs fan, I will believe the renewed hype, when he delivers in the playoffs), but getting Jrue Holiday was a great steal for the Celtics! Freeing up Tatum and Brown from most of the ball handling duties and adding a strong defender for 1-3 is great for them!

[@mambaASI]

Literally haven't seen anyone say they can't win lmao. What I have seen are comments that they will probably choke again. Which is fair, considering they've choked before...

[@RittenhousesRifle]

@mambaASI You’re kidding right? The Celtics are by far the most hated team in the league. Nobody wants them to win. Pundits and talking heads are saying they can’t win because they “choke” even though they havent had a team this good since 2008. Nearly everybody besides die hard Celtics fans are saying they can’t win. Open your eyes my dude.

[@jayy88]

@@mambaASIBarkley Perk and many others said they won’t win.

[@deeptime5581]

Don't forget White/Holliday efficiency....5 3 point shooters, then Horford, Pritchard, etc

[@chrystophergladhill5577]

Jb is straight up balling. The addition of kp and holiday are a cheat code. Tatum is the best player in the leauge.

[@justinbryanmaranan3722]

Bill has been waiting all his life to make this podcast episode 😂

[@jeffreyroedel9804]

Celtics vs Nuggets or Celtics vs Clippers would both be really entertaining series and I think 6 games at least.

[@mctaguer]

For the past three seasons, I'd often thought of Tatum the way that Bill used to describe Dirk Nowitski, before his title. Bill used to wonder if he could rise to an elite level, in particular if he could ever have any snarl. Dirk was my template for saying, "yes, a guy who isn't naturally ferocious, CAN slowly become that way." I think we're seeing that.

[@jacobweinberg5481]

Bill's hatred for the Lakers never disappoints. You know when Kobe stopped making the All-Star Game? When he retired. Is LBJ worth 50 million per year? Well, he's the biggest superstar in the league, which is a business. So yeah, he's worth it.

[@martinalbert29]

Can’t use history as a negative because they did not have Porzingis and Holiday last year and in that finals run.

[@fentanyljones6956]

Jaylen Brown is on a whole new level. White too. I also think Tatum kind of settled in with his decision making. I’m a die hard Nuggets fan, and i’m really nervous.

[@jackramsden9346]

My favourite basketball duo after Steph & Klay. Could listen to a 10 hour podcast of these guys just talking hoops.

[@BlindSwami_]

I think this is easily the best team we've seen since the KD warriors. I honestly think they are as good, if not possibly better than the heatles. They aren't deep but in a playoff series they don't have to be

[@atml3git325]

Went from up 2 to up 20 last night and never felt like they tried hard

[@piero1096]

The Celtics have to win it all this year. There's no excuses at all.

[@NoName-cn3cp]

The excuse is that Tatum is light skinned. The only light skin that has ever won is Steph Curry. And he is no Curry.

[@dorksandsports6977]

If they healthy I agree

[@karimzakaria9621]

The only excuse would be if they went to the finals and it was a tough 7 game series against Denver and Jokic ultimately prevailed.

[@Hotsauceonmy]

This is the weakest Heat team in a while(but then again zombies,) Embiid isn’t a threat, and the Bucks are led by Doc Rivers. Final question is how scary are the Cavs and Knicks?

[@kaleb324]

@@Hotsauceonmy heat are better than last season.

[@tune6000]

The way Russillo described Jaylen Brown made me think of Benedict Mathurin

[@BikoJeremyBiteete]

I'd like the JB discussion after the denver game.... JB is our most aggressive player since the all star break....

[@michaelmarlowjr7896]

You don’t need PF because of the 3 ball. Teams now play with 6’5 + midrange wing players that can go to the rim and have great 15 to 18 footers, make 3-5 3’s and play so-so D. The days of running your offense the the C&PF ended in the 90’s. It’s like where did a 10-15 ft. hook shot go. Just math.

[@wuwuisaac]

tatum’s body language really change since half way this season, he’s not looking for anything particular, he’s calm and patient, you could see that he’s doing everything he can to get everyone involved in the first 3Qs and you could tell when it’s the 4th, his teammates would get outta the way and let him be the best player on the court.

[@jujuthedude]

We fall for the #1 seed with all time great regular season stats almost every year. I’m not saying these Celtics aren’t he real deal, adding Porzingis and Holiday to this team that was a game away from the Finals last year is a big deal but just saying regular seasons don’t mean what they used to and the teams who win most are the ones who play consistently the hardest because not every good team does anymore. But in the playoffs everyone plays hard .

[@soxxel12]

I'm a realist as it relates to the C's and while I appreciate Russillo prefacing his JB rant with that he may not be watching very closely he couldn't be more wrong in his take. His description is of who JB was before this year. He needs to improve his free throw percentage especially for the playoffs and he causes too many turnovers trying to attack mismatches. Other than that his passing/playmaking is 1000% better and he really deep down thinks he's the best defender on the team which I'm fine with. He's constantly willing to go 1 on 1 with the other teams best player. He even took the assignment against Maxey multiple times tonight. I think securing that record contract helped free him up to me a more unselfish player.

[@ChowdownCHI]

Jrue was a great signing for defense and Porzingis for offense. Good mix of vets too, bench is pretty weak they need more there Forsure to win it all. Right now nuggets are best, OKC- Boston-Minn three way tie. The East is awful so that’s almost a sure thing unless they really blow it big time. Also, far horses are Clips and Suns both really tough teams with great vets that have won. I think title is up for grabs this year so if the C’s bring their absolute best they can take it home- I see see a need for a true center and better bench.

[@d.rock2224]

The biggest difference and something I believe will change the entire narrative for this team come playoffs is the addition of Porzingis. Having a playing that can thrive in the post when the shots are falling has been huge and will be huge in the playoffs. This Celtics roster would have rolled through the Warriors in the finals and killed the Heat in last year's ECF.

[@melmartinez7002]

Okay Ryan - you clearly aren't watching carefully when you say things like Jaylen Brown is "just doing his own thing'". He has adapted to his reduction in shots due to the addition of Porzingis by being one of the guys making plays for Porzingis. He and KP have had a fantastic 2-man game going all season. Peaches and Cream.

[@JohnSilva-hi6hx]

I think this team has got to know early when they know they're not hitting 3s to take it to the paint. This team looks determined, angry and on a mission. Their passing is crisp, their picks on point. Tatum is playing better. JB is going left more. Porzingis is perfect. Holiday and White? If this team isn't going to get close to the 86 team I'll be shocked. Stevens job of constructing this years team iis unbelievable. Manager of the year stuff. The coach? The same. Hell of a team they got. Theirs no doubt.

[@andrewbaker3855]

Yeah baby! This is the content we want! Bring on the haters!!! Let me guess "J.B. still can't go left... uhh the Jays aren't clutch." Y'all said the same crap about Denver last year. Prepare to be amazed!

[@shorewall]

They said JB can't go left...about the Nuggets?

[@Themayseffect]

The question around the Celtics seem crazy because they are the only one of the legacy "super" teams that are still on top. The warriors, Lakers, heat. Even the Nuggets are seemingly out here struggling a lot more when you would think they were closer. Everyone else in top 4 on both coasts seem to be teams that have emerged into greatness over the teams we suspected to be better.

[@Diah_TV]

???

[@Celticsfanforever]

Jaylen Brown needs to continue to play aggressively (as he did vs Chicago in the last game) thats the key to winning the postseason play!!!

[@Finkelthusiast]

He'll give us what we need, it may not be what we want.

[@edr.2642]

Boston vs Clippers would be amazing. ISO heavy both teams

[@him4882]

Everyone being hesitant on Boston just makes me feel like they’re going to win the chip. Usually a 1 seed that’s this dominant is a majority pick to win the chip. Also if they do what they’re supposed to in the east, they should be much more rested going into the finals compared to who comes out the west. Last few winners have benefitted from that. Nuggets, warriors took less of a beating before the finals and it showed.

[@apostolostvable]

Not always. Bucks in 19 & 20 had incredible win percentage as well but struggled in the playoffs. Nothing's ever guaranteed.

[@him4882]

@@apostolostvable I said majority pick meaning most people would pick them as the winner pre playoffs. Not a guarantee. Just strange to me that they’re so dominant and most people have the nuggets or clippers winning it all.

[@mjwbulich]

They're dominant because the east is weak as hell. Look at their schedule lately. Win after win against weak and mediocre eastern team. Their last two losses were at home against the Clippers and the Lakers. If they played in the west they would have a dozen more losses and be middle of the pack.

[@arcellmcgowan1517]

Wishful thinking 🤔

[@curtislinden9297]

sucks for teams in the west

[@CHawk015]

We'll find out in the playoffs

[@fortynights1513]

Even if it doesn’t translate into the playoffs, they’ve had a pretty darn good regular season to this point.

[@NoName-cn3cp]

The league is entirely too talented to say only a championship is not a failed season.

[@tim.noonan]

@@NoName-cn3cpDifferent teams have different goals. Most of the league truly isn’t even competing for a chip in any given year. Nothing wrong with a team that’s close to executing a nearly decade-long plan being disappointed if they fall short.

[@MateMagyar88]

“Kyle, turn the TikTok camera on!”

[@dennisb57]

When you have two guards that can shut down opposing guards you have something really special. These two guards are going to be the reason we win a Title # 18 if the J’s don’t return to ISO ball. That ISO ball by Tatum and Brown will literally destroy in the playoffs against a very good team like Golden State Warriors.

[@vrnclr1189]

It only took making a Super Team adding 2 players who were the 2nd best players on their team to be 3rd and 4th options who one of which is the best Perimeter defender of his generation

[@JaGra-tm2mw]

Porzingus was by far the best player on Washington last season

[@holstorrsceadus1990]

The bad Jaylen Brown moments are when he's A) thinks he can dribble through traffic and B) when he's playing like he needs to prove that this should have been his team. Him and Tatum go down a level whenever they start forcing it.

[@guitarwithpete]

A few things: first Jason and Jaylen aren't young (at least nba young). As was pointed out, they've played in over 100 playoff games. So they're experienced in games that matter. So why haven't they won. They don't (I'm going to pivot to Jason) have the mental toughness. Think about Jalen Brunson and then think about Jayson Tatum. Big difference. Also, there's one reason I give this team a chance to win this year and it was barely talked about by these two. It's called Jrue. He's been there. He's a champion and he makes winning plays and is not going to disappear when it matters most. If they win it all it will be because of him (and D. White). I don't trust Tatum or Brown. They don't have IT.

[@mailmansteve87]

Their starting 5 is stupid great! Nuggets in 6

[@jrdarville]

The only thing I need to see improve is Tatum and brown free throw percentage and Tatums 3 point percentage. Then I’d be sold on them

[@homerthompson416]

The west is so stacked with great teams it's hard to know where to rank Boston against Denver, OKC, Minnesota, Clippers, or Dallas. This year's title feels so up in the air. I could see any of those six teams win it all.

[@JoeMama-tl4tr]

Boston is the best team in the NBA. None of the west teams will defeat them they are going to sleepwalk into a title

[@solomonjohnson7507]

Trying to sneak Dallas in there??

[@rossmcewan7204]

don't agree with Dallas but if you the 1 or 2 seed and have to play luka and kyrie that's not going to be easy

[@rossmcewan7204]

and they should they have a starting 5 of sub all stars but tatum is still not going to win a mvp

[@homerthompson416]

@@rossmcewan7204 Dallas is looking fierce ever since trading for Gafford and Washington. There are more really good teams now that at any point I can recall since becoming an NBA fan in the mid 80s.

[@JaGra-tm2mw]

Yes... Yes they are

[@SkullEZClap]

No, they’re not as good as the state suggest because the last games they’ve lost to have been vs the top teams. Timberwolves, Nuggets, Bucks, Clippers.

[@jammer9941]

The only top team there that they don't also have a win against as well is Denver where they lost by 2. Like of course you are going to have some losses to top teams since they are still good teams. They still have the best record against potential playoff teams as well.

[@GregSolon]

No pressure Mazzulla and Tatum 😉

[@andrewfranta6349]

When Bill says "malleable," he means "flexible."

[@mariorovira3639]

Miss svp and russillo days

[@ralfnaval2780]

I think what the celtics are doing right now is to win as many games as possible so they can have a huge lead against anyteam in the east. That way they can assure that they can rest porzingis atleast 3-4 games before the playoffs while still having sure they are on top of the confference.. porzingis health is too valuable for them to make sure he's fully healthy on post season..

[@davepirtle9790]

I don't know how many games porzingis has missed this season but they have held him out of games already. I think the cetics are great this year but I wonder if a team with size will give them trouble and obviously Denver is the best team in the league.

[@ralfnaval2780]

@@davepirtle9790 i have full respect for the denver nuggets but to sqy they are the best teqm in the league this season, i totally disagree. Cetlics is 1st in ORTG, 2nd in DRTG 1st in 3pts made per game. 1st in net % per game.. 48-12 record the best in both conferrence.. i mean records dont lie..

[@josephrosabal7940]

The Heat are coming Billy

[@jasonavery]

If the C’s don’t win the title, it’s in their head. It’s a mental block. They should win it running away. This should be the next Warriors type dynasty of this decade. Tatum = Curry JB = Klay

[@JasonSmith-pe5py]

I'm not saying 1 reg season game is really that predictive-especially among opposite conference teams. As a Denver fan-I don't worry at all about Boston-or any East team.However,if we beat you at Ball in a few days-just don't tell me you will hide,& ignore the result like ya did after the Nuggets ended your perfect home record earlier this season. Just be a stand up guy either way.

[@lancehenriksen8728]

There will be a lot of high fives.

[@blazekaizer9000]

Heat in 6

[@gg456stormy]

Losing one dimensional Williams and smart and getting two better players in return has unlocked this team's potential. Addition by subtraction. Williams and smart in hindsight held this team back.

[@RobberStormfire]

We gotta get Ryen off the haterade on Brown

[@jaredwilkes2324]

Brown is playing the best of his career. His pick in roll with zinger is showing something I didn't know he had

[@STECHGUY]

You can only choose 1 A. Player healthy during playoffs B. Playoff standing/Placement

[@Riles3152]

Always choose player healthy. If you’re a good enough team, you can win on the road.

[@STECHGUY]

@Riles3152 Right, don't think it matters where they place. 100% healthy their winning regardless of standings in playoffs.

[@isaacstone9665]

Is Tatum not taller Kobe without Shaq and Phil?

[@UnconventionalReasoning]

Having 100 games as a requirement for a head coach is pretty useless. Especially when the coach takes over a team which had just gone to the Finals.

[@user-fd1mv8dl9q]

They look as good as the Ravens!

[@razkable]

The nuggets are 50-13 with murray playing since middle of round 2 last year...the title goes through them when healthy....

[@imantserdmans3169]

Friendship between JB & KP will show up in playoffs!

[@divin3symphani31]

I have never seen bill and Ryan cope more than ever here lmao I have them to get to the finals but fail again

[@n-ciddy1678]

And everybody From ESPN, on NBA Today's been Ridiculous. Trying to find Little, "tiny Flaws" that Aren't There, basically. It's like The Crabs in a Bucket scenario, When one or 2 Teams get "Hot," Really good essentially, Everybody else Tries tearing them Down, unconsciously. Weird phenomena, Honestly!

[@bpdmf2798]

Aside from the one series where Kyrie outright quit on the team, Tatum and Brown have only been knocked out of the playoffs in game 7s.

[@JaGra-tm2mw]

Tatum is one of the best players ever in the NBA at 25 years old Tatum has the most regular season AND post season wins by 25 OF ANY PLAYER IN THE HISTORY OF THE NBA!!! I don't think people have any idea how impressive that is smh

[@LaskInHD]

Well they should win because the salary cap doesn't seem to apply to them with their whole starting 5 making like 40 mil

[@STECHGUY]

Celtics can coast first half stay with a team then crank it up after the half. 3rd & 4th quarters have looked good.

[@OwskiiiGaming]

Tatum needs booker mentality, the dude who doesn’t show up for close out games lmfao, make sense

[@ryannelson2653]

Jimmy Butler is rubbing his hands together! Simmons is scared!

[@jayy88]

Jimmy needs to worry about getting out of the play in.

[@witchdoctor813]

I like the fact that Bill is a Homer for everything Boston sports related. I hate listening to media personalities who don’t have any allegiances or passion about sports. Also it’s so rewarding as a listener when their teams totally collapses l😂

[@Tony818L]

Doc Rivers would elevate this team

[@dannymcguire3623]

😂thank you

[@marc-gomes]

… If the Celtics aren’t respecting the Bucks now, it’ll be too late in April/May. That’s the problem with most Celtics fans like Bill. Bucks will have the best player on the floor in that hypothetical series (not close), and 2 of the top 3 players. To be fair, Boston has a better supporting cast (by far), but in the playoffs, things shrink and those things matter less.

[@hapishuco.2446]

They have to beat the juggernaut of the East that his the Miami Heat 😊

[@ShitterGolf]

Theyre better, a fully healthy celtics team should cakewalk through the east

[@manueltony3]

Whats insane to me its rebounding i didnt trust tingus and al health wise so i though out rebounding would suffer and i didnt trust tatum to be that guy but damn he is but who is rebounding ? I havent looked but damn . But also we need some shii talkers brown talk that shii Tatum talk also al and other guys talk shii your the best team act like it

[@bpdmf2798]

Jrue is the odd man out. They'll keep White and Brown because Jrue is going to be 34 next year so you would not give up a prime White or prime Jaylen for an aging Jrue that would be like 37 into his next contract.

[@LenGott8345]

The Celts are hitting me hard as a 'peaked too soon' team. Every season there's that one team that peaks too soon, gets to the playoffs and they get got by someone. Last Spring, Boston was put in an 0-3 hole by Miami. This is the on the heels of them losing the Finals to Boston. It's also worth noting that if not for well, Doc being Doc, Philly gets them in the East Semis. At this point, historically speaking pairings like Tatum and Brown have either figured it out winning the title or simply put, they don't get there. They get to a set point like the Conference Finals and they don't win it. I think they're the latter. Cause after what they experienced against the Warriors, falling in an 0-3 hole in the East Finals was really just troubling to me. Yeah it's fine what they're doing now, but three months from now when they get to the East Semis or Finals...will the moment overwhelm them again?

[@TopGunZero]

I don't think you watch enough basketball. There is a reason why the Celtics went down 0-3 to the Heat. They struggled with the zone defense and their scoring options broke down when teams would take away Tatum. Marcus Smart as the third option was always a really bad option. On top of that the Heat depth was shooting lights out. If any number of things happened with the Cs last year, they beat Miami. Tatum doesn't get hurt in game 7, Malcolm Brogdon doesn't get hurt, Al Horford played half as well on offense as he did in the regular season. That's why Brogdon, Smart, and Williams are all gone this year. They were all seen as liabilities. Porzingis gives you the rim protection you had with Williams, but a legit defense buster. The heat have no answer for him. Jrue Holiday is a massive upgrade over Marcus Smart. So you have two better offensive weapons in your starting lineup and you now have Horford coming off the bench.

[@LenGott8345]

@@TopGunZero Sounds great in theory, all of this does. But the thing about the playoffs, coaching becomes a factor and the question is... Do you trust Joe to outcoach someone in 4 straight series to win their first title since 2008? Cause I don't. Also with KP, is he gonna get overwhelmed by the moment? He's not experienced with the pressure cooker that is playoff basketball. Has Jaylen finally figured out how to dribble with his off hand? Have the Celts traded away too much of their defensive identity for offense? It's easy to tear through these months here when teams don't have time to really break it down to the bone gristle and really figure out how to stop what you're great at. So far so good for the Cs, but we'll see what it really is this Spring.

[@ajbianchi85]

Besides Porzingis who’s been amazing this year, the real difference is that Smart isn’t bricking 3s in the closing minutes. Jrue and D White have more than made up for Smart’s absence defense wise. Tatum still doesn’t have that killer in him though

[@jbbrolic]

Last season Smart improved on those shots and I wasn't that much less confident in him hitting a game winner than JB or JT (but that's because of how bad the Jays are in the biggest moments.)

[@jammer9941]

​@@jbbrolic I think they the Jay's record in the biggest moments is a little overblown. Like Tatum has a career 26.5 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 5.9 assists in elimination games.

[@JaGra-tm2mw]

U develop that killer instinct... And this is the season Tatum develops his

[@misinfluence]

Who on the Celtics is guarding Jokic?

[@StevenPlesz]

Who's guarding Jokic in general? Does a player exist that can really slow him down consistently?

[@bpdmf2798]

I knew a pretty girl who used to fart out loud and laughed at farts. It made her go from an 8 to a 10 to me because it means that I can fart and we can laugh together at it.

[@micahmcfadden8082]

Bruh id take brown over 2 whites because jb is special offensively

[@slow_Jo]

the thing is....the other dudes that are Tatum's age or younger are Luka and SGA, and they're considered a tier above Tatum. All these dudes are going to be First team all-nba this season.

[@JaGra-tm2mw]

Luka and sga are absolutely NOT considered a teir above Tatum where tf are u even getting this nonsense? Tatum has more post season wins than Luka and sga COMBINED Luka has 1 playoff series win in his 6 year career... And sga has 0 in his career Tatum on the other hand... HAS THE MOST POST SEASON WINS OF ANYONE 25 OR YOUNGER IN NBA HISTORY!!! Tatum is in a teir above them!! Teir 1... 1. Jokic 2. Giannis 3. Tatum 4. Embiid Jokic and Giannis are the only players left for Tatum to surpass and that's because they have a championship... TATUM OWNS EMBIID IN THE PLAYOFFS SO IM TAKING TATUM OVER EMBIID ALL DAY Teir 2 5. Sga 6. Edwards 7. Haliburton 8. Wembenyama 9. Kawhi 10. Doncic Doncic is about to miss the playoffs for the second season in a row and the 3rd time in his 6 year career (half!!!) So I don't even want to hear about this empty stat padding ATROCIOUS defense playing ball hog Haliburton actually knows how to run a heliocentric offense and keep everyone involved... Hali passes the ball WAAAAAAAY EARLIER in the shot clock than guys like Luka and harden do and because of it he keeps his teammates in rythm Luka takes his teammates out of rythm and sacrifices actual winning for his own personal stats And can do someone please explain to me HOW Luka takes the Mavs technical free throws when he's a lifetime like... 70% free throw shooter AND NOT EVEN FUKING CLOSE!!! To the Mavs best free throw shooter out on the court when the Mavs get to shoot a tech... I mean... I've seen stat padding by players BUT I'VE NEVER IN MY LIFE SEEN AN ENTIRE ORGANIZATION!!! HELP A PLAYER STAT PAD LOL SGA has been incredible all season... And unless tatum wins his first championship this year sgas season will probably be considered the better season of he and Tatum... BUT... First of all there's a HIGH PROBABILITY that the Celtics win it this season B. Sga has to also perform incredibly in the playoffs even if Tatum doesn't win it... And with all the free throws sga depends on to score with such great efficiency... He might end up surprised to find out a lot of the contact that would be considered a foul during the regular season... Are not called that way in the to playoffs... And if he struggles with that adjustment expect okc to struggle in general Delusional doncic dikriders LOOOVE to say doncic dominates in the playoffs... But exactly HOW do you dominate when you have won a total of 1... Playoff series that you played the entire series in... The year the Mavs made the wcf... The Mavs were up 2-1 on the jazz before "Luka" even played a game in that series... The Mavs probably don't even make the wcf if Lukas ball hogging stat padding ATROCIOUS defense playing asss is in there those first 3 games of the jazz series Tatum is like 4-0 against embiid in the playoffs... Need I even go on any further? Tatum needs this championship and from there he most likely goes on a dynastic run over the next 8-10 seasons as the face of the NBA 😉

[@slow_Jo]

​@@JaGra-tm2mw dang, that was one long ass essay. And no, teams don't stay together long enough to form dynasties anymore. Golden State only happened because they were willing to pay a boatload of luxury taxes, but they were also winning championships. Is Boston wiling to pay the luxury tax for no rings if this group doesn't get one soon. Already paying supermax to Brown and Tatum.

[@JaGra-tm2mw]

@@slow_Jo first of all browns supermax doesn't kick in til next season and Tatums doesn't kick in until two seasons from now That means brown is on the team another 6 seasons MINIMUM and Tatum is on the team another 7 seasons MINIMUM And YES... OF COURSE BOSTON IS GOING TO PAY THEM The Celtics have a VERY GOOD CHANCE to go on a dynasty run over the next 8-10 seasons they will have the jays for basically all of that time since both will retire a Celtic... And porzingus will be on the team MINIMUM 3 more seasons after this one.. and probably sign a 4 or 5 year deal after his current contract is up That means porzingus is going to be a Celtic for the next 7-8 seasons... And porzingus is 27/28 right now So wel have porzingus through the rest of his prime The only player from our starting 5 that might not be on our team long term is jrue Holliday.. and that's because he's going to be 34 going into next season . jrue has a player option for next season... But the Celtics might try to sign and trade him for a player who's bird rights they control and is cheaper than jrue Because it's going to cost the Celtics between 25 And 30 million dollars a year to sign derrick white... Most likely for either 5 years 125 million or 4 years 105ish million Either way the Celtics will have Tatum, brown, porzingus and derrick white all through the rest of their prime and they'll be absolutely incredible

[@rl-cx6kf]

KP stays healthy, they're in the finals. KP doesn't, they lose to one of those 2-5 teams in the east in the ECF. But if they do? They're still very young. The only guys in their 30s are White (30) Holiday (34) and Horford (38) They could go on a dynasty run if they just get that first one.

[@Riles3152]

The Boston Celtics probably SHOULD win the championship this year. They have the most talented team. They have deep playoff experience. They have a potential superstar in Tatum and another star in Jaylen Brown, to go along with two star quality players in Porziņģis and Holiday. They basically check all of the boxes when it comes to a legit title contender. And with all that said, I still don’t fully trust that they’re going to get it done. I still don’t fully trust Jayson Tatum in the biggest games and moments. I absolutely don’t trust their head coach and his decision making. I think they rely a little too heavy on shooting threes which is more often than not a fool’s gold strategy, especially when 3’s aren’t falling and you stubbornly stick to the formula instead of having a plan B. And finally, I just believe when all is said and done and the smoke clears, the Nuggets are still the team to beat with the most valuable overall player on their side in Jokic.

[@CurseMonstr]

Let's conveniently leave out the fact the Knicks are 5-2 against teams over .500 when OG, Randle and Brunson play!

[@jayy88]

Randle sucks vs Boston

[@moneytimeblanco3518]

I do miss Randle now lmaoo as much as I hate his game

[@CTEagleCeltic]

Bruh, they’ve been ahead of schedule, then got derailed last year w/ the Ime Udoka nonsense… took a year for Mazzula to get his legs… I’m super confident we smash the East… Nuggs and Steph are my only concerns…

[@YoItsDev]

how does joe mazz have the highest win % through 100 games when kerr and the warriors went 67-15 and 73-9?

[@105anthony]

I think they mean to say best win% at 100 games minimum. Mazz hit 100 wins recently, not games. Also Kerr had to coach the abysmal 2020 team

[@connorsmith6517]

It’s just a bullshit way for Bill to prop up Joe M. He’s a solid coach, but like it’s funny that Bill has to say “highest win percentage through 100 games by half a point!” To prove he’s a good coach?? Pulling arbitrary statistics like win percentage for 100 games to justify how good a coach is, is laughable.

[@matthewxuereb8086]

@@connorsmith6517Bill has been Mazzula’s biggest detractor…

[@91eschultz]

You can tell Bill is still terrified of Jimmy butler and Miami. Won’t even mention them 😂

[@RittenhousesRifle]

Nobody is scared of the Heat bruh…. Stop coping.

[@samhorn3740]

Tatum is a fringe top ten guy and he is talked about like he is one of the 5 best players in the world. That’s the concern Thoth Boston is that their best guy is not as good as the other great team’s best player. He is a bad clutch player and with the exception of the blowout loss to the bucks they lose their games in the same way everytime. Tatum isn’t close to ready and I don’t think he will ever get there. If he doesn’t win with the most talented team I’ve seen outside of the kd warriors it’s a bad look.