First To The Floor: A Boston Celtics Podcast
Episodes
The Celtics' Defense Rules (Ep. 162)
11 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
How far can this newfound defensive identity take the Celtics, and should we expect the offense to follow suit? Plus, how Tatum was the best player on...
The Marcus Smart Conundrum (Ep. 161)
08 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
We're ten games into the season and the Celtics fanbase is once again divided on Marcus Smart. Keep, trade, or role change? We evaluate all the option...
Tatum Dazzles in Back-to-Back Road Wins (Ep. 160)
27 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
The Celtics string together decisive, back-to-back road wins including a highlight-riddled overtime win against the Hornets. Is Jayson Tatum an early ...
Jaylen Delights in a Double OT Thriller (Ep. 159)
21 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
The Celtics barely fall short to the Knicks in MSG in a season-opening double OT thriller. How did the team perform as a whole in Ime Udoka's head coa...
Regular Season Expectations, with Dan Greenberg (Ep. 158)
19 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Dan Greenberg of Barstool Sports joins us to discuss expectations for the regular season based on trends from the preseason. Plus, whose "mountain" is...
Preseason Postgame Points of View (Ep. 157)
15 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
The Celtics’ preseason loss in Orlando hardly matters thanks to Aaron Nesmith’s continued ascension. On this episode, more promising signs out of ...
Preseason Reactions with Chris Forsberg (Ep. 156)
10 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Are the words "double big lineup" no longer nightmare fuel? What have we learned from Ime Udoka's rotations so far? Chris Forsberg of NBC Sports Bosto...
We Made It Through the Offseason (Ep. 155)
04 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Celtics basketball is upon us! Before preseason begins today, what were the key takeaways from training camp? Why is the Celtics' social media team so...
Offseason Reddit Recap (Ep. 154)
24 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Discussing some of the top Celtics Reddit Posts of the past week, including Dennis Schröder's unusual number selection, individual player stats to ke...
Offseason Temperature Check (Ep. 153)
15 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
How should Celtics fans manage their expectations for Ime Udoka and his extended coaching staff? Has Brad Stevens set the bar too high? Plus, should t...
John Karalis on the Benchmarks for a Successful Season (Ep. 152)
11 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
If Tatum isn't a genuine superstar, does anything else matter? If Udoka can't impact team ball movement, what are we doing? John Karalis joins us to r...
The Hitchhikers Guide to Capology (Ep. 151)
09 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Soft cap? Tax Apron? BAE? BRI? What does it all mean, Basil? In this episode, Wayne Spooney helps us understand the many facets of the NBA Collective ...
Ben Simmons drama through a Celtics lens
07 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Cut for time: What opportunities does the Ben Simmons situation present for the Celtics? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/...
CelticsBlog’s Adam Taylor + Juancho Trade Reactions (Ep. 150)
04 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
CelticsBlog lead writer and podcast host Adam Taylor joins us to discuss Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown’s success metrics, how to track and quantify ...
Breaking the Curse of Isaiah Thomas (Ep. 149)
31 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
This week we’re joined by Dr Charles Ulysses Norris Thorpe, a Professor of Curse Studies and the world’s leading expert on the curse of Isaiah Tho...
Celtics Lob the Bag to Timelord (Ep. 148)
22 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
The Celtics secure Robert Williams with a contract extension, but what does this reveal about Brad Stevens’ approach. Is it too early to draw (un)fa...
Marcus Smart, Starting Point Guard (Ep. 147)
18 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
The Summer League Celtics’ dream run comes to an end, falling short to the Kings in the title game thanks to a very unfavorable turnover and field g...
Carsen Edwards Summer Showcase (Ep. 146)
15 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Have Carsen Edwards and Romeo Langford proven they can add value to an NBA roster (or a trade)? With Paul Millsap’s name floating around as a potent...
Summer League Dynasty (Ep. 145)
13 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
The ridiculously fun Summer League Celtics continue to dominate their opponents, led by the extremely promising talents of Payton Pritchard and Aaron ...
Wham Bam Thank You Yam (Ep. 144)
09 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
The Celtics’ 2021 Summer League debut gives us plenty to overreact to, including Yam Madar’s impressive performance, Nesmith’s shooting struggle...
Brad Stevens, A Man With a Plan (Ep. 143)
07 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
The Celtics’ quiet free agency period has somewhat unveiled their plans for the future, but how likely are they to pull it off? What are the pathway...
Trades Ahoy! (Ep. 142)
31 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
President Brad Stevens continues his epic debut season run, making two significant trades right after the 2021 NBA draft. Are the new acquisitions gua...
Celtics Trivia Bonanza Grand Final (Ep. 141)
26 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Round 3, the GRAND FINAL of our annual Celtics Trivia Bonanza. Joe (u/NoScrotesMcfly) and Mike (u/Wayne_Spooney) go head-to-head for all the marbles. ...
Celtics Trivia Bonanza: Round 2 (Ep. 140)
18 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Round 2 of our annual Celtics Trivia Bonanza. Jayson (u/CelticsJ) and Mike (u/Wayne_Spooney) go head-to-head for the Northern Conference championship,...
Celtics Trivia Bonanza (Ep. 139)
09 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Round 1 of our annual Celtics Trivia Bonanza. Jackson and Joe go head-to-head for the Southern Conference championship, the winner of which will face ...
Welcome Ime Udoka (Ep. 138)
24 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Everything you need to know about Ime Udoka. Origins, playing career, coaching career, we’ve got it all covered. Plus, how will Udoka’s coaching s...
Sixers Schadenfreude (oh, and Kemba was traded) (Ep. 137)
22 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Evaluating Brad Stevens first move as President of Basketball Ops. Was the Kemba for Horford trade a win for both sides? Plus, the Tatum & Brown roste...
Celtics Reddit’s Unpopular Opinions (Ep. 136)
16 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
This week we’re riffing off Celtics Reddit’s most unpopular opinions, including Tatum and Brown’s effect on Ainge’s retirement, Kemba needs a ...
Brad Stevens, Coach Whisperer (Ep. 135)
11 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Who is the standout coaching candidate for the Celtics? Strong cases have been made this week for Darvin Ham and Ime Udoka. Plus, the media is increas...
Changing of the Garden (Ep. 134)
04 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Danny Ainge is stepping down, while Brad Stevens is stepping up. What sense do we get from Brad that he’s up for the task? Plus, celebrating the end...
Drama Eclipses Tatum's Promise (Ep. 133)
01 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
We are recruiting! Plus, Tatum leads the “positive takeaway” squad as the Celtics dwindle against a stacked Brooklyn Nets, Kemba adds a disappoint...
Play-in GOAT, Jayson Tatum (Ep. 132)
19 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
The Celtics successfully play their way into the playoffs thanks to Tatum’s 50 point domination of the Wizards. Are Tatum’s post-game leadership c...
Fan Therapy, May 2021 (Ep. 131)
12 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Another much-needed Fan Therapy session after disappointing back-to-back losses in must-win games against the Heat. Did we learn anything about this t...
Jay60n Tatum (Ep. 129)
01 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Immediate reactions to the Celtics’ incredible 32 point comeback victory against the Spurs, including Tatum’s 60 point performance, Nesmith’s so...
w/ Steve Bulpett (Ep. 130)
01 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Longtime Celtics/NBA reporter, Steve Bulpett, joins us to help us understand this bizarre Celtics season. Plus, addressing Brad Stevens criticism, pla...
The Nesmith Game (Ep. 128)
29 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Tatum and Brown lead the Celtics to a bounce-back win against the pesky Hornets, while Aaron Nesmith injects some much-needed energy into the bench sq...
The Playbook of Mormon (Ep. 127)
17 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Where will Jabari Parker fit into the Celtics’ rotation? Whose minutes will he absorb, if anyones? Plus, the Celtics five-game hot streak, Kemba’s...
53 Reasons to Love Jayson Tatum (Ep. 126)
10 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Jayson Tatum became the youngest 50-point scorer in Celtics history as the Celtics take five quarters to shake off the Timberwolves. Plus, the continu...
Spiritual Malaise (Ep. 125)
02 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
What exactly is wrong with the Celtics? Do the players even think this season is worth it? Can the season be saved or should we look to the offseason?...
w/ guest Tom Westerholm (Ep. 124)
28 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Celtics beat writer for Boston.com and host of the Gino Time podcast Tom Westerholm joins us to discuss the Celtics moves at the trade deadline, the C...
w/ guest Fongos (Ep. 123)
26 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Known Theis expert Fongos joins us to commiserate over Theis’ departure at the trade deadline and the idea of shifting focus to other members of the...
Celtics Fan Therapy (Ep. 122)
18 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Tatum and Brown put up solid performances in a loss to the Cavaliers, but a disappointing 1-3 stretch after the all-star break has triggered our secon...
Barnes or Bust? (Ep. 121)
10 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Celebrating Tatum and Brown's performances throughout all-star Sunday, the best/worst moments at the halfway point of the regular season, and whether ...
And Suddenly, a Win Streak (Ep. 120)
03 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
The Celtics suddenly find themselves amidst a win streak after sinking the Clippers courtesy of Kemba, Timelord and patches of solid team defense. Thi...
The Jays are All-Stars (Ep. 119)
24 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Kemba Walker has been gradually improving this past week, but is he a good long-term fit as a third option next to Tatum and Brown? Plus, key moments ...
In Defense of Brad Stevens (Ep. 118)
18 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Why are the Celtics losing so frequently? Is it poor coaching, ‘ticker’, roster related, or something else? What is the justification for playing ...
w/ guest Ryan Bernardoni (Ep. 117)
10 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Ryan Bernardoni (aka Dangercart) joins us to discuss the Celtics’ evolving TPE situation, comparing dream and realistic TPE outcomes, Tatum’s elev...
Duos are the new trios (Ep. 116)
02 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
A narrow loss to the Lakers provides some cause for optimism, with great performances from Tatum & Brown and an emerging big-man hierarchy with Theis ...
We May Have a Big 3 on Our Hands (Ep. 115)
27 Jan 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Tatum impresses in his first game back, while Jaylen continues his epic stretch with an effortless 26 points. With Kemba’s return to form, how can w...
The Return of Bouncy Kemba (Ep. 114)
18 Jan 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Kemba’s welcome back party was nixed by the Knicks, but there were some promising elements to his game. Plus, on/off numbers for our big three, and ...
Celtics Fan Therapy #3 (Ep. 113)
13 Jan 2021
Contributed by Lukas
With no recent Celtics games and the immediate future unclear, it’s time for another Fan Therapy podcast. What’s going great for the Celtics? What...
Known Basketball Savant and Genius, Payton Pritchard (Ep. 112)
05 Jan 2021
Contributed by Lukas
How does Payton Pritchard compare to previous Celtics 1st round picks, and what impact will his early ascension have on this season? Plus, Jayson Tatu...
Hard(en) Times (Ep. 111)
28 Dec 2020
Contributed by Lukas
What are the biggest takeaways from the first three games? Is it possible Tatum’s missed deep game-winner is not that big a deal? Plus, reactions to...
"Chinwagging" with Abby Chin (Ep. 110)
23 Dec 2020
Contributed by Lukas
As promised, the very friendly and reflective Abby Chin answers YOUR questions, and some of ours as well. Topics covered include Abby’s journey to...
Pritchard Pops in Preseason (Ep. 109)
16 Dec 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Payton Pritchard and Aaron Nesmith put up strong debuts for the Celtics. Running down the roster, what were the impacts to player value coming out of ...
Prepare for Showcase Season (Ep. 108)
14 Dec 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Which young Celtic is most likely to “pop” and become a reliable contributor or a legitimate asset to help the Celtics use their Traded Player Exc...
Hayward Takes Exception to Boston (Ep. 107)
02 Dec 2020
Contributed by Lukas
The Celtics net the largest Traded Player Exception of all time, and fans collectively groan at the bleak prognosis of Kemba Walker's knee. This week,...
Farewell, Brad Wanamaker (Ep. 106)
24 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Gordon Hayward leaves us high and dry as we welcome some veteran free agents to the roster. This week we're joined by u/LarBrd33 to discuss the Celtic...
Draft Day (Ep. 105)
19 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Draft day has come and gone and the Celtics acquired three new players. Who are they, where did they come from, and what can we expect from them? Plus...
Celtics Fan Therapy (Ep. 104)
02 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Commiserations of a finals run cut short and celebrations of one of the more enjoyable seasons in recent memory. This week we’re “talkin’ it out...
Put Your Enes Away (Ep. 103)
23 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
How do the first three games of the ECF compare to your expectations going in? With Hayward’s return, what can we expect for the remainder of the se...
An Extinction Event (Ep. 102)
15 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Jake Issenberg from the Backdoor Cut Podcast joins us to wrap up the series victory against the Raptors, and recap some of the best moments from Game ...
w/ guest Leigh Ellis (Ep. 101)
09 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Leigh Ellis from the NoDunks Podcast on the Athletic Network joins us to talk Celtics/Raptors, the coaching matchup between Brad Stevens and Nick Nurs...
Best of Three (Ep. 100)
07 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Is game 5 the most important game of the Tatum/Brown era so far? How likely are the Celtics to turn it around the close out the series? Plus, the Rapt...
A Captain's Knock (Ep. 99)
25 Aug 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Join us for one final victory lap after the Celtics close out a convincing sweep of the Sixers, and Tatum's measured approach in Game 4(2:25-17:30). L...
Ctrl Alt Delete, Kill Process (Ep. 98)
22 Aug 2020
Contributed by Lukas
What have the Celtics done on the court to be so successful in this series? What have been the standout elements so far? Plus, revelling in the Sixers...
Bubble Magic (Ep. 97)
10 Aug 2020
Contributed by Lukas
How have the last few games recalibrated your expectations for the postseason? What new factors have emerged to give cause for optimism for a deep pla...
Suddenly... Defense! (Ep. 96)
06 Aug 2020
Contributed by Lukas
This week we’re joined by Alexander Williams (u/DanTheMalformed) to discuss the key differences between the Heat and Nets games, the relieving appea...
The Good, the Bad and the 3rd Quarter (Ep. 95)
03 Aug 2020
Contributed by Lukas
The starting five and stretch six are beginning to click once again, but how far can Brad Steven’s 9-man rotation take the Celtics? Plus, Tatum and ...
Jaylen Brown, Bubble MVP (Ep. 94)
27 Jul 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Reactions to the first two Celtics scrimmage games, and Jaylen Brown’s standout performances. Plus, Tatum shedding rust, Hayward drawing power from ...
Celtics News Roundup (Ep. 93)
29 Jun 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Join us in celebrating the arrival of actual recent and tangible Celtics news, worthy of discussion for the first time in months. This week we’re re...
Celtics Trivia Quiz Show
17 Jun 2020
Contributed by Lukas
This week we’re proud to present the inaugural Celtics Reddit Podcast Quiz Show. Our regular co-hosts go head-to-head in an epic Celtics trivia batt...
Wide World of Sports (Ep. 91)
27 May 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Recapping all of the known details around a potential NBA season return at ESPN's "Wide World of Sports" complex in Florida. Plus, how is the playoff ...
Celtic Pride (1996)
25 Apr 2020
Contributed by Lukas
This week, the world’s very first deep-dive into the 1996 Comedy, Celtic Pride. "Two over-loyal Celtic fans kidnap their opponent's star player i...
The Rewatchable Games Series - Part 2 (Ep. 89)
09 Apr 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Part 2 of the 2019-2020 “Rewatchable” Celtics game series, this time covering the 5 most rewatchable games from this season. Plus, Kevin Garnett i...
The Rewatchable Games series - Part 1 (Ep. 88)
03 Apr 2020
Contributed by Lukas
We’re back! Join us for part one of the the “rewatchable games” series, ranking the 10 most rewatchable games of the Celtics’ 2019-2020 season...
Health is Wealth (Ep. 87)
11 Mar 2020
Contributed by Lukas
The Celtics get back on track with a W in Indianapolis, but not without putting their fans back in the ICU for most of the fourth quarter. This week, ...
Weird Celtics Timeline (Ep. 86)
06 Mar 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Join us to recap two of the weirdest days in recent Celtics history. Semi converts raw power to pure finesse, the injuries pile up (again), a peek at ...
Tatum Eclipse of the Heart (Ep. 85)
25 Feb 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Recapping the Celtics’ narrow defeat at the hands of the Lakers along with some with unfortunate overshadowing by the referees. Plus, the exciting e...
Foul Play (Ep. 84)
13 Feb 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Celtics fans everywhere react to the Rockets’ play-style, and Jayson Tatum continues to impact the game despite a poor shooting performance. Jaylen...
The Deadline Looms (Ep. 83)
04 Feb 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Does Clint Capela make the Celtics an instant contender? Celtics Reddit reacts to the pre-deadline rumor explosion. Plus, Tatum carries the Celts to a...
Jaylen Brown Highlight Factory (Ep. 82)
02 Feb 2020
Contributed by Lukas
The Jaylen Brown highlight factory manufactured a delightful blowout win against the Philadelphia 76ers yesterday. Jayson Tatum continues to shine as...
Gordo's back, again!
29 Jan 2020
Contributed by Lukas
This week we start off by remembering Kobe Bryant, and what he meant to us as international fans, long before League Pass or when games were regularly...
LeBoomers (Ep. 80)
21 Jan 2020
Contributed by Lukas
The Celtics pantsed the Lakers, and it was great. But how did the Celtics put such a beatdown on the Lakers, and what were the best moments of the gam...
You Love to See It (Ep. 79)
14 Jan 2020
Contributed by Lukas
What role player from any of the 2010’s Celtics teams would you “call up” to our current team? Plus, recapping the Bulls game and other events ...
Consistency is Key (Ep. 78)
07 Jan 2020
Contributed by Lukas
How does overall consistency compare to flashy numbers with high variance, and how do Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown look through that lens? Plus, a lo...
A Decade of Celtics Memories (Ep. 77)
31 Dec 2019
Contributed by Lukas
As 2019 draws to a close, what have been the biggest surprises to emerge from this young season? Plus, the Celtics’ impressive defensive rankings ac...
Grant Williams, 3-point Sniper
22 Dec 2019
Contributed by Lukas
This week we’re joined by u/1337speak to discussed the highlight-filled Gino win against the Pistons, the first real look at our top two draft picks...
Back-to-back Bummers (Ep. 75)
14 Dec 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Who is more likely to make the all-star game, Tatum or Brown? Plus, the Celts keeping it close against Indy and Philly, Kemba’s true emergence as Bo...
His Royal Hairness Returns (Ep. 74)
11 Dec 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Where do the Celtics rank among the other top teams in the league? Is Hayward’s return and the rise of Jaylen Brown enough to propel them into the s...
Consider Jaylen Brown (Ep. 73)
06 Dec 2019
Contributed by Lukas
With a healthy 20 game sample-size to sift through, u/LarBrd33 joins us to discuss the season so far, including much consideration of Jaylen Brown. Al...
Help, Defense! (Ep. 72)
30 Nov 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Join us for a lazy recap after a 4:00 am (Sydney time) tip-off to close out the Celtics’ regular-season mini series vs the Brooklyn Nets. Was this o...
Fear and Loathing on the West Coast (Ep. 71)
23 Nov 2019
Contributed by Lukas
What a ridiculously eventful week for the Celts. While only getting away with 2-3 on paper, there’s so much more to take away from what was a seemin...
Luka Don't-Kick (Marcus again, please) (Ep. 70)
13 Nov 2019
Contributed by Lukas
A refined Jaylen Brown continues to amaze us all as the Celtics climb to 8-1, defeating the Mavericks 116-106, and Kemba Walker continues to solidify ...
Commissioner Gordon Hayward (Ep 69)
06 Nov 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Revelling in the excitement of Gordon Haywards near-career high outing against the Cavs in the arena where it all started. How does this change the w...
Sweet, Loveable Celtics (Ep. 68)
04 Nov 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Now 5 games into the season, what has surprised you about this team so far, and what is their trajectory going forward? Plus: What are the stati...
The Quadfather and Other First Impressions (Ep. 67)
07 Oct 2019
Contributed by Lukas
The Celtics are Back! Mike & Tommy are back, Abby Chin is back. We are also back for our third season starting with a player-by-player review of the C...
Killer Croissant-over (Ep. 66)
12 Sep 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Looking back at the full Team USA World Cup campaign after their premature exit at the hands of the Frenchmen. What improvements (if any) did the Tea...
Team USA Australia Tour Recap (Ep. 65)
28 Aug 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Back after a brief offseason hiatus to discuss the Celtic loaded Team USA basketball tour of Australia, including a first-hand recap of each of the th...
Celtics vs The World (Ep. 64)
24 Jul 2019
Contributed by Lukas
We’re back after a brief, three-week hiatus to rank our favorite players from Summer League, and discuss an offseason blessing in the form of up to ...