Kevin O’Connor joins Bob Ryan and Gary Tanguay to break down the Celtics’ early-season outlook and whether Jayson Tatum can carry Boston all the way back to the NBA Finals. The guys discuss Tatum’s clutch performance against the Knicks, Boston’s depth at center, Joe Mazzulla’s coaching ceiling and whether the Celtics have become too reliant on the three-point shot. They also debate the NBA’s second-apron rules, how much influence a superstar should have over coaching decisions and whether Boston made the right call moving on from Jaylen Brown. Plus, Kevin weighs in on the defending champion Knicks, Philadelphia’s star-studded roster, Giannis Antetokounmpo’s start in Miami and the best coaches in the NBA before Bob remembers Cliff Hagan and Dale Brown. 0:00 Intro 1:14 Celtics Outlook & Jayson Tatum 2:33 Can Boston Reach the NBA Finals? 4:34 Celtics Center Rotation & Luka Garza 5:15 Joe Mazzulla’s Coaching Ceiling 8:36 Mazzulla’s Philosophy & the Three-Point Debate 11:56 PrizePicks 13:18 How Much Influence Should Tatum Have? 16:19 NBA Salary Cap & Celtics Roster Building 20:28 Can the Knicks Repeat? 23:41 Can the 76ers’ Stars Make It Work? 26:29 Nick Nurse & Managing Superstars 29:27 Who Are the NBA’s Best Coaches? 31:08 Giannis & Miami’s Rough Start 33:34 Timberwolves & Anthony Edwards 34:05 Jayson Tatum-Jaylen Brown Drama 38:11 Kevin O’Connor Talks Career With Bob Ryan 42:51 Remembering Cliff Hagan & Dale Brown 45:41 Final Thoughts & Outro The CLNS Media Network is Powered by: 💰 Prize Picks - Sign up at http://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/CLNS & Download the app today and use code CLNS to get $150 instantly in Lineups if you win your first $5 Lineup!

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On this episode of the Bob Ryan and Jeff Goodman NBA podcast Bob and Gary Tanguay get you ready for this upcoming Boston Celtics season. The guys discuss the biggest topics of discussion entering this season from what to expect from Jayson Tatum and Paul George to the importance of Payton Pritchard this upcoming season.

0:00 - Coming up

0:41 - Welcome in

0:54 - Expectations for Jayson Tatum this season

1:56 - Paul George expectations this season

2:14 - What young players will step up?

2:37 - Can Derrick White snap out of it this season?

2:59 - Celtics big man rotation

4:44 - Will Celtics win the East this season?

5:45 - Importance of Payton Pritchard this season

7:23 - Prizepicks

8:58 - What to expect from Paul George this season

9:37 - What do Celtics need to improve roster

10:33 - Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown relationship

11:52 - Celtics new ownership group

12:50 - Expectations for Jalen Brunson this season

14:14 - Wrapping up!

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On this episode of the Bob Ryan and Jeff Goodman NBA podcast Bob and Gary Tanguay take a look at USA Today's Top 20 Players list for the 2026-27 NBA season to discussing the top 100 players in the league, Bob and Gary break down the rankings and share their perspectives on today's NBA landscape. With different generations of basketball experience and plenty of opinions, this episode brings thoughtful analysis and debate to some of the biggest questions facing the league.

The conversation also dives into how basketball has changed over the years, including the impact of AAU culture on the game and what to expect from LeBron James heading into the upcoming season. 

Plus, Bob Ryan reflects on the NBA career of John Havlicek, offering perspective on one of the most memorable players in Boston Celtics history.

0:00 - Coming up

0:57 - Reacting to USA Today’s Top 20 Players list for 2026-27 Season

4:48 - 76ers have 4 players in Top 100

6:05 - Cade Cunningham vs Jayson Tatum

7:03 - Top 5 Players all Non-Americans

9:10 - Prizepicks

10:45 - How the game of basketball has changed with AAU culture

14:12 - Where Cooper Flag ranks

14:37 - Where NBA legends currently rank on list

14:55 - Expectations for LeBron James this season

17:04 - Bob Ryan answers email on John Havlicek

20:08 - Wrapping up!

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Bob Ryan, Jeff Goodman and Gary Tanguay react to the early NBA preseason and break down what they’ve seen from the Celtics and 76ers. The guys discuss Boston’s young core, including Hugo Gonzalez, Baylor Scheierman and Jordan Walsh, realistic expectations for the Celtics and the decision to move on from Jaylen Brown. They also debate Joe Mazzulla’s personality and growth as a head coach before turning to Philadelphia, where LeBron James, Jaylen Brown, Tyrese Maxey and Joel Embiid headline a fascinating new-look roster. Later, Jeff breaks down why Darryn Peterson could develop into one of the NBA’s best players, the guys debate Jayson Tatum’s MVP chances and the league’s top candidates, and Bob weighs in on the NBA’s latest efforts to eliminate flopping and speed up games. 0:00 Intro 0:52 Celtics Young Players & Preseason Takeaways 5:17 Jaylen Brown Trade & Brad Stevens 7:51 Joe Mazzulla Under the Microscope 12:15 PrizePicks 15:22 LeBron, Jaylen Brown & the New-Look 76ers 22:19 Darren Peterson & the NBA Rookie Class 27:43 Jayson Tatum & the NBA MVP Race 32:23 NBA Flopping Rules & Officiating Changes 35:17 Final Thoughts & Outro Celtics on CLNS Media is Powered by: 💰 PrizePicks - Sign up at http://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/CLNS & Download the app today and use code CLNS to get $150 instantly in Lineups if you win your first $5 Lineup!

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Glenn Ordway talks Larry Bird, Johnny Most & Much More!

Bob Ryan and Gary Tanguay are joined by special guest Glenn Ordway as the guys take a dive down memory lane. The guys reminisce over the great Boston Celtics teams of the 1980’s and so much more.

Glenn mentions how so many people have forgotten about how great of a player Larry Bird was and they take a trip down memory lane and discuss how his game would translate in the modern basketball era.

Glenn and Bob also share memories and stories of former Celtics play by play announcer Johnny Most!

All that and plenty more on this special edition of the Bob Ryan and Jeff Goodman NBA Podcast!

0:00 - Coming up!

1:20 - Special Guest Glenn Ordway joins the show!

3:44 - Looking back on Celtics teams of the 80s

7:59 - People forget how great Larry Bird was

13:52 - Reflecting on what LeBron James is doing now

15:57 - Prizepicks

18:28 - Reflecting on career of John Havlicek

26:21 - What do you remember most from “Heat game” in 1984 NBA Finals

31:03 - Remembering Celtics Play-by-Play man Johnny Most

50:20 - Current state of the NBA

59:15 - Expectations for Philadelphia 76ers this season

1:03:04 - Expectations for Boston Celtics this season

1:05:06 - Wrapping up!

Bob Ryan and Jeff Goodman NBA Podcast on CLNS Media is Powered by:

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Bob Ryan, Jeff Goodman and Gary Tanguay react to NBA Media Week and break down the biggest questions surrounding the Philadelphia 76ers entering the new season. The guys discuss how LeBron James fits alongside Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey, whether Philadelphia’s new-look roster can develop championship chemistry and how much pressure is on Embiid as he enters another crucial stage of his career. They also examine LeBron’s continued influence around the NBA, his relationship with his new teammates and what his arrival means for the Sixers’ championship window. Plus, Bob and Jeff share stories from decades covering NBA Media Day, debate how basketball journalism has changed in the social media era and, naturally, go on plenty of completely unrelated tangents along the way.

Celtics Daily on CLNS Media is Powered by: Kalshi — On Kalshi, you’re trading against peers in a live market — meaning there’s no house. And as the probability changes, you can buy in and out of your position. Trade the draft pick, the game, and more on Kalshi! Download Kalshi. Use code CLNS to get $25 when you trade $25. K-A-L-S-H-I. Kalshi. Trade What’s Next. 18+ only. Restrictions and eligibility requirements apply. Event contract trading involves risk and may not be suitable for all investors. Kalshi products are not available in all jurisdictions. Prices, values, and available markets may differ from those mentioned. For more information, see kalshi.com/regulatory

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Jeff Goodman and Gary Tanguay on Kevin McHale: a post scorer so unstoppable that getting him the ball meant the possession was already over. Part of the trade that also brought Robert Parish to Boston for the rights to Joe Barry Carroll — arguably the greatest trade in NBA history, and it delivered three championships. "You just couldn't stop him. I think he's kind of underappreciated and forgotten because Bird was so good." Join this channel to get access to perks, exclusive content, rate games, moments, footage and LIVE NBA Legends Q&A and AMAs with members! Start on link below! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWJOKseXd--YsDaUsOt06gA/join

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Paul George and Mike Conley were introduced as Boston Celtics players for the first time at a press conference on Tuesday. On this episode, Jeff Goodman and Gary Tanguay break down what George and Conley can potentially give the Celtics this season, despite their ages. Jeff explains what Boston needs out of Paul George to have a successful season and what his role could be next to Jayson Tatum. Could he be a good foil for Tatum? How will their personalities gel? He also explains what Mike Conley brings to the table in terms of leadership and a veteran presence off the bench. Later, the guys recap the Kawhi Leonard trade to Toronto and discuss the position the Clippers find themselves in after being penalized for cap circumvention. They also discuss the incoming rookie class and what we saw from last year’s class as well as whether the NBA has enough talent for expansion. Lastly, Jeff and Gary wrap up with their favorite and least favorite team mascots. 00:00 Intro 01:00 What Paul George offers 06:04 Can Mike Conley have a similar impact to Jrue Holiday? 08:28 What we expect from Jayson Tatum this season 09:43 Why Jeff is optimistic about the Celtics 10:22 PrizePicks 12:43 Why the Raptors traded for Kawhi 16:09 Jeff on the rookie and sophomore classes 20:12 Is there enough talent for expansion? 21:31 Gary and Jeff’s favorite and least favorite mascots Celtics on CLNS Media is Powered by: 💰 PrizePicks - Sign up at http://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/CLNS & Download the app today and use code CLNS to get $150 instantly in Lineups if you win your first $5 Lineup!

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Gary Tanguay joins Bob Ryan and Jeff Goodman for a wide-ranging NBA conversation led by one of the league’s brightest young stars: Cooper Flagg. The guys debate where Flagg already ranks among the NBA’s best players, how high his ceiling can go, and whether he could eventually become a top-five player and true championship centerpiece in Dallas. They also discuss Kyrie Irving’s importance to the Mavericks and what Flagg still needs around him to contend. From there, Bob, Jeff, and Gary turn to the Lakers, Phil Jackson’s upcoming statue, and the franchise’s uncertain direction. Plus, they react to comparisons involving Stephon Castle and Dylan Harper, revisit how Larry Bird’s three-point shooting would translate to today’s NBA, and discuss Steph Curry’s impact on the modern game. Finally, they look ahead to Jalen Brunson hosting Saturday Night Live and debate which NBA personalities would have been best suited for the SNL stage. 0:00 Intro 0:59 Cooper Flagg’s Ceiling & NBA Ranking 12:36 PrizePicks 13:47 Cooper Flagg, Dallas & Kyrie Irving 16:29 Lakers, Phil Jackson & Franchise Direction 23:17 Stephon Castle & Dylan Harper Hype 26:19 Larry Bird, Steph Curry & Three-Point Shooting 33:22 Jalen Brunson on SNL & NBA Personalities 37:14 Outro Celtics on CLNS Media is Powered by: 💰 PrizePicks - Sign up at http://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/CLNS & Download the app today and use code CLNS to get $150 instantly in Lineups if you win your first $5 Lineup!

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On this episode, Bob Ryan and Gary Tanguay take a look at two Celtic greats: Larry Bird and John 'Hondo' Havlicek. Bob explains why Havlicek doesn't get the respect he deserves anymore and why he was truly one of a kind. He then compares Hondo to Bird: where they were similar on and off the court, whether they could have played together and his experience covering both players.

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On this episode of the Bob Ryan and Jeff Goodman Podcast, Gary Tanguay, Bob Ryan, and Jeff Goodman break down the biggest NBA stories of the week, beginning with the Clippers’ salary-cap scandal involving Kawhi Leonard and the massive penalties facing the franchise. The guys debate how much responsibility Kawhi should carry, what the situation means for his legacy, and whether the punishment will deter other teams from trying to circumvent league rules. They also turn to the Celtics and discuss Jayson Tatum’s leadership, the pressure he’ll face as Boston’s unquestioned centerpiece, and how different leadership styles can still work. Plus, Bob and Jeff weigh in on Ben Simmons’ latest opportunity with Sacramento, Amen Thompson’s huge extension and growing reputation in Houston, Brett Brown’s difficult tenure in Philadelphia, and Neemias Queta’s strong summer play for Portugal as he looks to earn a larger role with the Celtics. 0:00 Intro 1:00 Kawhi Leonard & Clippers Salary-Cap Scandal 12:17 PrizePicks 13:23 Jayson Tatum, Leadership & Celtics Expectations 21:38 Ben Simmons’ Latest Opportunity 25:03 Amen Thompson, Rockets & NBA Notes 29:44 Neemias Queta’s Strong Summer 31:04 Final Thoughts & Outro Celtics on CLNS Media is Powered by: 💰 PrizePicks - Sign up at http://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/CLNS & Download the app today and use code CLNS to get $150 instantly in Lineups if you win your first $5 Lineup!

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