The Boston Celtics have only played two games, but some trends are starting to show up in guys like Jordan Walsh and JD Davison. John Karalis of Boston Sports Journal discusses that, why the zone defense they've been playing around with could be a sign that Joe Mazzulla will do something very smart with his defense, and whether John Wall is an option for the Celtics.

The Celtics summer league is under way and Jordan Walsh had an impressive opening game, while JD Davison needs a bit of work. John Karalis of Boston Sports Journal discusses that before jumping into the mailbag to talk about what's next after the Grant Williams and Marcus Smart trades, Jayson Tatum's injury, and a bunch of fake trades.

Brad Stevens and the Celtics still seem to have more moves up their sleeve, and a new report suggests they're positioned for a "seismic strike." But what does that mean? John Karalis of Boston Sports Journal and Tom Westerholm break that down, plus get into Jaylen Brown's eventual super-max contract, a sort of audition year for two of Boston's three stars, and how refreshing it is to have Jordan Walsh around.

Grant Williams has been traded to the Dallas Mavericks in a 3 team deal that sends Reggie Bullock to San Antonio and a few second round picks to Boston. That's all. Why would Brad Stevens do a deal like that? John Karalis of Boston Sports Journal and Tom Westerholm discuss the trade, how it really changes Boston, and why this is what the new CBA is meant to do.

Back into the mailbag to dive into questions about Grant Williams sign and trade possibilities, how the Celtics might get Damian Lillard, what to watch for in summer league, how news leaks, and more. John Karalis of Boston Sports Journal gets into all that, and also gives his Boston basketball media starting 5

We open up the mailbag again to get into questions about Jaylen Brown's contract, a scenario where Marcus Smart would come back, Malcolm Brogdon's injury and potential trade, Payton Pritchard's future, and a bunch of CBA questions... including how players get paid.

Marcus Smart gave his first interview since being traded to the Memphis Grizzlies. John Karalis of Boston Sports Journal was part of the select few reporters there, and he shares the entire Smart interview before reacting to Smart saying he was told there were no trade talks a week before he was dealt. Plus, Kristaps Porzingis agrees to an extension and Boston is signing Oshae Brissett.

The new CBA is officially official, and amazingly, there weren't a whole lot of surprises in there, but there are still questions about its impact. Is there a way for Jaylen Brown to take less and maybe help re-sign Grant Williams in a way that actually benefits him more than just taking the supermax? John Karalis of Boston Sports Journal and Keith Smith of Spotrac discuss that, some of the other nuances of the CBA, and whether Boston can keep Grant Williams, even for just one season.

Derrick White's breakout season is part of what made Marcus Smart expendable. Now that Smart has been traded, White is set to step into that starting point guard role. John Karalis of Boston Sports Journal and Tom Westerholm discuss White's best year yet, the challenges of being the point guard, whether he can handle that job, and whether he's ready to take on a bigger role and more minutes and responsibility than ever.

Grant Williams is a restricted free agent and he is drawing plenty of interest. He's obviously a very good basketball player, but he's also going to be a relatively expensive one as well. John Karalis of Boston Sports Journal breaks down the reasons to keep him, the reasons to let him walk, and ultimately, what the Celtics should do with him this summer.

Jordan Walsh was in Boston for a community event and met the media for his first ever introduction to life as a Celtic. John Karalis of Boston Sports Journal and Tom Westerholm discuss the rookie's refreshing attitude, what he brings to the table as a basketball player, and what the first year plan should be.

It's Mailbag Monday (we'll be doing this all offseason), and today we've got a ton of questions about Marcus Smart being traded, the new start it gives Boston, Kristaps Porgzingis fitting in with the Celtics and being a 3rd option, Payton Pritchard's opportunity, Grant Williams staying or going, and more.

The Celtics entered the NBA draft with the 25th overall pick. They came out of it with one player and four future second round picks. John Karalis breaks down what the Celtics did, what they came away with, and what Jordan Walsh might someday bring to Boston. Plus, Brad Stevens discusses the Marcus Smart trade.

The Boston Celtics looked like they had a deal to send out Malcolm Brogdon and get Kristaps Porzingis. That fell apart, and suddenly the trade became a deal to send Marcus Smart out. The Celtics ultimately added Porzingis and two first round picks, making the deal a good value. John Karalis breaks down the deal, how Porzingis fits, and the sting of losing Smart.

With the draft on Thursday, there are all kinds of rumors floating out there. The Celtics have been linked to a lot of teams, but how much of this is just Brad Stevens doing his job? John Karalis of Boston Sports Journal discusses a lot of the rumors floating out there about Malcolm Brogdon, Jaylen Brown, and Grant Williams. Is John Collins a target? Will Payton Pritchard be used to trade up in the draft?

Robert Williams had a tough season, missing half of it due to knee surgery and then coming back to find a new playing style. John Karalis of Boston Sports Journal and Chris Forsberg of ESPN Boston discuss Rob's year, how he was used, and why he was hurt more than most by the by Ime Udoka situation. How will he be used moving forward? Can he come back healthy and stay healthy? Should he start?

Bradley Beal is being traded to the Phoenix Suns, and not the Miami Heat. That changes a few things for the Celtics, including one of the trades they were hoping to make. John Karalis of Boston Sports Journal talks about that, analyzes the trade, gets into Boston being active ahead of the draft and what that might mean, and the possibility of Grant Williams going out in a sign and trade.

Marcus Smart managed to have both a great and not great season all at the same time, and once again, how he was used did him no favors. John Karalis of Boston Sports Journal and Tom Westerholm discuss Smart's ups and downs, how his role changed over the course of the season, and why his future depends on what kind of plan Joe Mazzulla is putting together.

Bradley Beal is rumored to be, potentially, on the trade block. Do the Celtics have what it takes to get him if they want him? Do they even want him? John Karalis of Boston Sports Journal discusses that and then gets into Jaylen Brown's season and what he needs to do to reach yet another level.

The Denver Nuggets won the NBA championship, beating the Miami Heat 4-1 in the NBA Finals. What was it about their style of play that allowed them to do what Boston couldn't? John Karalis of Boston Sports Journal and Tom Westerholm discuss how the Nuggets were able to win without making a bunch of 3-pointers, and how they were able to score enough while keeping Miami's offense in check. Plus, how they were able to build their roster in a way that made it all work so well (and yes, getting lucky with Nikola Jokic helps).

Jayson Tatum had a very good season by most measures, but there is still a lot he can do to be better. John Karalis of Boston Sports Journal and Tom Westerholm discuss his strengths and weaknesses, and the things he can do to join the Nikola Jokic, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and the true MVP contenders in the NBA. That includes a focus on attacking, a couple less 3-pointers, and maybe even adding a post game.

We begin our true reflection on the 2023-24 Celtics season with a simple overview. How will this season be judged? How did Joe Mazzulla really do? Can he be the guy who helps Boston win a title? John Karalis of Boston Sports Journal and national NBA expert Howard Beck discuss all that and the new additions of Sam Cassell and former Milwaukee associate head coach Charles Lee.

The mailbag questions came pouring in this week, starting with Jaylen Brown trade questions. Should he be traded for Karl Anthony Towns? Should he be traded this summer? Should he be traded at all? John Karalis of Boston Sports Journal discusses those scenarios and then looks at some of the possible CBA side effects on middle class players, guys on rookie deals, and more. Plus, some other trade targets, including Kelly Olynyk.

The Miami Heat lost Game 3 of the NBA Finals, but they could have won it. They continue to do things to other teams that forces uncharacteristic mistakes. Does that take some of the edge off the ECF loss? John Karalis of Boston Sports Journal discusses that and then runs down whether Boston could (or should) grab Chris Paul if he's let go by Phoenix. Also, an early dive into the mailbag for your CBA questions.