Locked on Celtics with Rainin' J's

It's a bonus edition of the Rainin' J's Podcast as ESPN NBA Analyst Tim Legler joins John for a quick discussion about the Celtics, how attractive they are to free agents, what culture means in this world of analytics, and why Brad Stevens deserves his reputation as one of the NBA's great coaches so soon into his career. Enjoy the show #BostonCeltics #Celtics #RaininJs

The Paul Pierce & Antoine Walker of podcasting (you'll get it when you listen) return after a tough loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers to discuss whether this loss is a hint of playoff troubles to come. Yes, the Celtics did just have a big win streak, and yes, Kelly Olynyk is still not back yet, but the C's have a tough schedule coming up and we could learn a LOT about this team in the coming weeks. Also discussed... how the Celtics relative health has been influenced by a new approach aimed at maximizing rest and recovery, and how THAT plays into Boston being really attractive to NBA free agents. All that and one more reminder that everything is David Lee's fault. Enjoy the show. #Boston Celtics #Celtics #RaininJs

Sean Deveney of The Sporting News joins the show this week to discuss some of the things the Celtics were trying to accomplish at the trade deadline and what they might accomplish moving forward. We look at the team's more long-term goals, as well as some of the changes that might be made around the NBA as a whole. In addition to that, John and Jay discuss Isaiah Thomas as a recruiter in free agency, would we trade the Brooklyn pick if it was #1 overall, and why the Celtics won't be playing any of the young guys anytime soon. Plus, we spend a little time marveling at the awesome spectacle that was OKC-Golden State and trying to figure out if Steph Curry is actually human. And John rants about the way some of the local media handle themselves. The show's a little longer this time, but we hope you enjoy it all. #BostonCeltics #Celtics #RaininJs

The "third third" of the Celtics season is now underway and it didn't look great for them in Utah. John and Jay look at how good the Jazz are, how badly the Celtics miss Kelly Olynyk, and whether Jordan Mickey should be getting more of a chance in the few weeks Olynyk is gone. Plus, the very interesting possibility of Jahlil Okafor playing in Boston (and the very weird way Philadelphia does business), John flips out at David Lee's sudden desire to get into shape, and a discussion about basketball movies that may well be the wedge that drives John and Jay apart. Enjoy the show #BostonCeltics #Celtics #RaininJs

John and Jay get together for a little bonus podcast immediately after the All Star Game. Jay immediately launches into an anti-All Star rant though we both agree All Star Saturday was pretty cool. From there, it's all about the trade deadline and what the Celtics might do. Jay and John disagree on the actual strength of Boston's position, with John worrying about an expiration date on Boston 's assets. Will Isaiah Thomas' All Star "recruiting" pay off for Boston in the long run? Should the Celtics even be worrying about making a big deal considering their position right now? All that and more on this Sting-free episode. #BostonCeltics #Celtics #RaininJs

The guys are flat out gushing over an amazing overtime win over Paul Pierce, Doc Rivers, and the LA Clippers. Isaiah Thomas won a duel over Chris Paul, Brad Stevens flipped out on the sidelines, and Jared Sullinger quietly had an awesome game. John even has to give Evan Turner more love than you've ever heard. The guys also discuss Stevens as a free agent lure, what the Celtics might be able to accomplish moving forward, a trade rumor that doesn't involve a megastar, and our hypothetical Celtics entries into the NBA dunk contest. All that, and just for fun, we talk about our favorite TV shows of all time. Enjoy the show #BostonCeltics #Celtics #RaininJs

Fresh off a buzzer-beating win in Cleveland, John and Jay break down the amazing comeback and how the Celtics were able to score five points in less than five seconds. Tyler Zeller has been rescued from the end of the bench, Evan Turner continues to play really well off the bench, and Marcus Smart is just doing all the little things against much bigger guys to fuel an amazing stretch for the Celtics. The guys also get into the trade deadline talk and what Danny Ainge is facing, including whether he is essentially being forced to overpay in a trade. All that plus answers to your Twitter questions, Avery Bradley's amazing gesture in a time of tragedy, and a little R-E-S-P-E-C-T for all the fans out there. Enjoy the show! #BostonCeltics #Celtics #RaininJs

The Celtics are on a nice 5-game winning streak and John and Jay are enjoying the defense behind this stretch of success. Marcus Smart and Avery Bradley (and Jae Crowder) are making life hell for opposing back courts... so much so that opponents are even amazed by the tenacity. The bench has also come alive led by Kelly Olynyk and Evan Turner... who is playing so well right now that even John has to give him love in this episode. Also getting love: Isaiah Thomas for his selection to the All Star game. That selection brought out Floyd Mayweather, which resulted in Jay seeing one of the weirdest interviews ever after the game. Of course, we have to get into the trade chatter and what we're willing to give up in order to get something of value in return. Plus, we answer your Twitter question and John tries to get Jay to spill the hair care secrets Twitter is dying for. Enjoy the show! #Celtics #BostonCeltics #RaininJs

The Celtics are starting to take shape, and John and Jay kick things off talking about how the rotations are finally following some sort of pattern. Kelly Olynyk is hot, Jerebko is playing better, and the offense is starting to click. And since the season is halfway done, the guys figured they'd do something completely original and hand out some team awards. Plus we get into some trade talk courtesy of the Cleveland Cavaliers and their sudden coaching move (including why John would NOT be a good GM), some All Star chatter about whether Isaiah Thomas will make it, John rants about comparing eras, and we warn rivals not to throw stones at the throne. Enjoy the show! #Celtics #BostonCeltics #RaininJs

Jay and John return this week to talk about the Celtics continued ups and downs... especially those of Kelly Olynyk who can either be really, really good, or really, really bad. Still, it seems like he's part of a much more solid rotation, and we discuss how health is allowing Brad Stevens to finally get the guys he wants out on the floor... even if it means Marcus Smart has to guard a guy a foot taller than he is. Also discussed: The only instance when it's sort of allowable for Evan Turner to take a 3, David Lee's affinity for Powerball tickets, and why we should JUST LET GO of the DeMarcus Cousins trade talk (and who we should probably target instead). All that, plus John rants about the Celtics uniforms, and Jay shares and amazing story about being a ball boy for the New York Knicks for a week. #BostonCeltics #Celtics #RaininJs

So... here we are, struggling to figure out what's wrong with the Boston Celtics after they've lost 4 out of 5 games. How much do Isaiah Thomas' struggles impact the offense? Do they really miss Avery Bradley THAT much? And what can Danny Ainge REALLY do when he says he wants to "consolidate the roster?" All that plus answers to your Twitter questions including Jordan Mickey's D-League dominance... and Jordan Crawford scoring 72 points in China! SEVENTY TWO!! Enjoy the show #Celtics #BostonCeltics #NBA #RaininJs

John and Jay spend most of this show trying to figure out just what the hell is going on with the Celtics and their struggles against bad teams. Guys are trying to take blame all over the place, as is Brad Stevens, but how much of this really is the coach's fault? Is he handling the depth the right way? Plus, why some guys need to just give up taking 3's at almost all costs, why the Celtics can soon go smaller more often (especially if they stop playing David Lee), and a fond look back at two HUGE farewells in Boston. Enjoy the show! #RaininJs #BostonCeltics #Celtics

Scrap everything we said last week, because this past week saw the Celtics get progressively worse over their three games... all losses. Kelly Olynyk is frustrating. So is Avery Bradley (which might be unfair), and David Lee is a net negative across the board. So why is Lee getting so much time when guys like Tyler Zeller keep wasting away on the bench? All that, plus, we address some trade rumors, look at life on the one year anniversary of the Rondo trade, and Jay expresses some disappointment over some Celtics fans slacking lately. Enjoy!

This show can be boiled down to one simple theme.... these guys are pretty good. We get into the epic game against Golden State, including how awesome Avery Bradley's defense has been. Plus, the very good problem of how to fit Marcus Smart into this lineup and what his return will allow the Celtics to do for Brad Stevens. It wasn't ALL sunshine and rainbows in this show, though. I questioned how the Celtics were handling things down the stretch and whether Isaiah Thomas gets away from the things that have worked in those situations. Plus, what happens with Sully in the offseason?... the importance of James Young's recent play... a PERFECT send off for Kobe Bryant and Jay King's beef with the fans... All that... AND... we're giving away 2 tickets to what is likely Kevin Garnett's last game in Boston. All you have to do is listen to the show and tweet me the two code words I mentioned. The first person to do so gets the tickets, courtesy of TiqIQ. #Celtics, #NBA

John and Jay discuss an interesting week for the Celtics. David Lee (or for some reason, John calls him Derrick) and his desire for more minutes is an instant hot topic (and fodder for one of John's rants). Also, is Avery Bradley on more than just a hot streak, is he going to work his way into All Star discussion? Plus... Wyc's open to trading the Nets pick, Danny Ainge's masterwork with the Celtics contracts, we yell at Michael Jordan, look at why the Spurs are the Spurs and what the Celtics need to be to get to that level. And... What if we re-imagined the All-Time NBA starting lineup for today's go-small, pace-and-space NBA. Just gonna say: Larry Bird as a stretch 4 is oh so amazing.