PODCAST · sports
Hold My Banner
by NESN
This is NESN’s Celtics podcast. Travis Thomas breaks down the Boston Celtics and NBA landscape: Stories about the teams, the players, and the culture.
Episodes
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Why the Celtics Biggest Problem Is Getting Harder to Ignore
The Celtics might be winning, but are they quietly revealing the one flaw that could end their title hopes. Boston’s small ball success is put under the microscope as the discussion turns to rebounding issues, roster versatility, and whether the front office has to add a real big before the trade...
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Who Can Stop the Celtics in the Eastern Conference?
Is there actually anyone in the Eastern Conference capable of stopping the Celtics when it matters most? Adam Kaufman and Ountae Campbell take a step back to examine Boston’s true competition in the East, how recent performances shape the conversation around Jaylen Brown, and why the Celtics’…
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Can the Celtics Keep Winning Like This?
Is the Celtics sudden surge actually sustainable or are we getting fooled by a hot stretch before the schedule tightens? This episode digs into Boston’s rapid climb up the East standings, how much Jayson Tatum’s looming return changes their ceiling, and whether the Celtics physicality and paint...
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Should the Celtics Make a Bold Trade to Go All In This Season?
Do the Celtics need to make a bold trade right now if they want to go all in on this season? Boston’s surge into the top tier of the Eastern Conference has created real urgency, and the conversation has shifted from whether they can contend to whether Brad Stevens can afford to stand still with…
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Are the Celtics Closer to the Finals Than We Thought?
Did the Celtics win over the Knicks prove they might actually have a Finals run in them this year? Adam and Ountae open the show by asking whether Boston’s latest statement win should change expectations for how far this roster can go. From there they get into the newest Zubac chatter, what the...
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Are the Celtics a Healthy Jayson Tatum Away From the Finals?
Is this Celtics team just a Jayson Tatum away from making it to the NBA Finals? Boston’s chaotic but compelling 20 game stretch has Adam and Ountae asking whether the Celtics have quietly become the most unpredictable threat in the East. They dig into Payton Pritchard’s breakout, Jordan Walsh’s...
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Are the Celtics in Trouble Without Neemias Queta?
Neemias Queta’s absence exposed a problem the Celtics can’t ignore. The guys break down how Boston’s entire identity shifts when Queta isn’t on the floor, why fans suddenly realize how important he’s become, and what Joe Mazzulla’s small ball experiment really revealed in the win over Orlando.…
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Why Did Jaylen Brown Get Benched in Brooklyn?
Jaylen Brown’s brief trip to the bench might be the biggest story of the Celtics week. From there the episode dives straight into an emotional and revealing conversation with Isaiah Thomas as he reflects on his greatest Garden moments, the 53 point night, his bond with Evan Turner, and how Boston...
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Celtics WARNING: Don’t Let Brooklyn Make This Ugly!
The Celtics might be on the verge of their easiest stretch of the season and the guys are not holding back on what Boston should do with a Nets team begging to get blown out. Adam and Ountae break down the matchup, the rotation chaos, and which role players need a reset night before diving into…
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Did the Celtics Prove Anything by Beating The Grizzlies?
Did the Celtics finally wake up? Boston dominated the Grizzlies from start to finish and now has a chance to build real momentum. Adam and Ountae break down Payton Pritchard’s breakout night, Derrick White finding his rhythm, and why the Celtics’ energy on the glass could be a turning point. They...
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Did the Celtics Finally Find Their Identity?
Are the Celtics officially stuck in mediocrity, or is a breakout coming soon? Adam and Ountae break down Boston’s split with Orlando, preview another tough matchup with Philly, and explain what the C’s need to do to stop living in the middle. From Luka Garza’s bench spark to Missoula tightening…
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Can Josh Minott Keep This Up for the Celtics?
The Wizards came out swinging, but the Celtics punched right back and never let up. What sparked Boston’s massive turnaround after that slow start, and how did Jaylen Brown’s 35-point explosion prove he can carry the offense when the team needs a lift? Adam and Ountae dive into the 136–107 win,...
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Are the Celtics Falling Apart After That Jazz Loss?
The Jazz just stunned the Celtics with a comeback win that no one saw coming. Adam and Ountae break down Boston’s 105 to 103 collapse at home and question whether this loss exposes deeper issues with the team’s shooting and late-game focus. They take a closer look at Jaylen Brown’s 36 points...
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The Celtics Look Scary Again After Smacking the Cavs
The Celtics cooked the Cavs and Jaylen Brown looked unstoppable doing it. After a 30-point explosion and a 20–3 run that blew the game open, Boston might finally be finding its groove. Adam and Ountae break down how Brown set the tone, Sam Hauser’s hot hand off the bench, and what Queta and...
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Is It Time For The Celtics to Start Anfernee Simons Over Payton Pritchard?
Anfernee Simons caught fire in the fourth quarter and powered the Celtics to a convincing win in New Orleans. Adam Kaufman and Ountae Campbell break down what Simons’ breakout means for Boston’s rotation, whether he should start over Payton Pritchard, and if Joe Mazzulla’s lineup shuffling is...
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New Issues Arise for the Celtics After the 76ers Loss?
The Celtics just blew a game they should have won against the 76ers and now the Knicks are waiting to test whether Boston can handle the pressure. A 117-116 home loss exposed cracks in Boston’s late-game execution and defense. VJ Edgecombe’s surprise 34-point debut showed there are new challenges...
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Can the Celtics Stop Joel Embiid & the 76ers on Opening Night?
Are the Celtics already facing a crisis before tip-off? We dive into the Boston vs Philly matchup and ask the tough questions. Can the Celtics contain Joel Embiid without their usual size in the paint? Will Jaylen Brown play and if not who steps up to carry the scoring load? We break down key...
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Derrick White Is Proving He’s More Than a Role Player
Derrick White stole the show while Jaylen Brown’s hamstring raised new concerns for the Celtics just days before the season opener. Adam and Ountae break down White’s All-Star potential, Brown’s recovery timeline, and Xavier Tillman’s clutch game-winner against Toronto. They also dig into what Al...
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Anfernee Simons Shines but the Celtics Have a Big Problem
Is Anfernee Simons about to become Boston’s breakout star? We break down the Celtics’ 138 to 107 blowout win over a depleted Cavaliers squad and discuss what stood out most from Simons’ TD Garden debut, Jaylen Brown’s playmaking, and Payton Pritchard’s strong start. Then we preview Boston’s final...
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The Celtics Hugo Gonzalez Might Be a Problem
Hugo Gonzalez turned heads in the Celtics' preseason opener, bringing energy, defense, and a highlight dunk that lit up social media. Boston’s win over Memphis gave us early glimpses of what this team could be. Jaylen Brown and Derrick White looked sharp, the pace was faster, and surprise…
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Can These 3 Moves Turn the Celtics Into Champions?
Are the Celtics just three smart moves away from Banner 19? Cap expert Keith Smith joins the show to pitch the Sensible, Sneaky, and Swing for the Fences moves that could finally get Boston over the hump. Next, Adam and Ountae each drop three bold predictions for the Celtics' 2025–26 season.…
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The 3 Most Crucial Celtics This Year
Which three Celtics need to step up the most this season? Kasey and Ountae break down the players who could decide how far Boston goes. Jay King of The Athletic joins to talk Tatum’s outlook, roster strengths and flaws, and what kind of trade the Celtics might target. Then we get into Napheesa...
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Is This the Most Underrated Celtics Team in Years?
Are the Celtics being overlooked heading into the season? Media Day showed a team focused on growth, not outside noise. Joe Mazzulla made it clear he’s sticking to his principles as he leads a reshaped roster through new challenges. Adam and Ountae break down what his approach means for a group...
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Are the Celtics Better Off Shutting Down Jayson Tatum For The Season?
Jayson Tatum is out indefinitely, but should he even return this season if the Celtics stay in the hunt? Adam and Ountae break down the risks of a comeback, what his absence means for the team’s identity, and whether Boston is quietly heading toward a reset. They also react to ESPN’s Top 100...
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Are the Celtics Ready to Turn Payton Pritchard Into a Star?
Is Payton Pritchard ready to take on a bigger role or is he best suited off the bench? We break down what he needs to prove, how the Celtics might use him without Tatum, and whether Anfernee Simons cuts into his future. Then we react to ESPN’s offseason survey where a someone picked Jayson Tatum…
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Who's the Next Breakout Wing for the Celtics?
Is this the year one of the Celtics young wings finally breaks through? We’re talking Jordan Walsh, Baylor Scheierman, Josh Minott and Hugo Gonzalez as John Karalis of BostonSportsJournal.com joins the show to break down who has the best shot at cracking the rotation and earning real trust from…
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The Celtics Starting Center Isn’t Who You Think It Is
Who should be the Celtics starting center on opening night, and could the wrong choice sink their season? We break down the options from Neemias Queta and Luka Garza to Chris Boucher and two-way rookie Amari Williams. Can Boston bring back Al Horford or explore a trade to fill the void without...
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Jaylen Brown to the Hawks? Should The Celtics Be Worried?
Did Jaylen Brown just drop a real hint about playing for the Atlanta Hawks? His “you never know” comment has fans buzzing, and we’re breaking down what it could mean for the Celtics, the Hawks, and the future of both franchises. Would he fit with Trae Young, and could Atlanta even pull it off? We...
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Should the Celtics Trade Anfernee Simons for Nikola Vucevic?
Are the Celtics really better off swapping Anfernee Simons for Nikola Vucevic? In this episode, we break down Josh Canu’s latest trade proposal and debate whether Vucevic’s offensive skill set can make up for the defensive sacrifices. Is this a win-now move or just cap maneuvering? Then we dive...
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How Neemias Queta Could Change Everything for the Celtics
Neemias Queta might be the Celtics secret weapon this season. From Kristaps Porzingis giving him props at EuroBasket to the debate over whether Queta can carve out a real rotation role, the Celtics frontcourt depth suddenly looks intriguing. George and Ountae also break down whether Anfernee…
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Should the Celtics Really Trade Jaylen Brown for This?
Would you trade your Finals MVP for Jalen Suggs, Jonathan Isaac, and a pile of picks? We open the show with a wild mock trade from Sports Illustrated that sends Jaylen Brown to Orlando. Is this the right time for Boston to make a move, or should they hold off until Tatum is back? We break down…
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Malik Fitts Spills the Truth About the 2022 Celtics Finals Run
He made the NBA Finals with the Celtics, went toe-to-toe with legends, and now he’s telling the story. Former Celtic Malik Fitts joins the show to take us behind the scenes of that unforgettable 2022 Finals run and what it was like sharing the court with Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Marcus Smart,...
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Celtics Trading Anfernee Simons Again? More Celtics Trade Rumors!
Are the Celtics already trying to move Anfernee Simons just months after trading for him? With interest reportedly coming from the Sixers and Nuggets, we unpack what’s really behind Boston’s sudden shift and whether moving Simons now makes sense. Is this about cap space, roster fit or something...
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Would the Celtics Be Crazy to Trade Derrick White for This?
Is Derrick White really worth three first-round picks and Gradey Dick? We kick things off with a deep dive into a bold Celtics-Raptors trade proposal from Sports Illustrated, breaking down what Boston gains, what Toronto would be betting on, and whether this sets the stage for a bigger move in…
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Why the Celtics Might Trade Sam Hauser Before the Season Starts
A new report has Sam Hauser on the Lakers’ radar if the Celtics decide to move him. Is Boston really prepared to trade away one of their most efficient floor spacers? We dig into the financial motivations, Hauser’s playoff usage, and whether his role is undervalued in the Celtics' rotation. Then,...
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Is Joe Mazzulla the Right Coach for The Celtics?
Joe Mazzulla just secured a multi-year extension, but is this a sign of long-term trust or a risky move during a transitional year for the Celtics? With Jayson Tatum out indefinitely and key players like Porziņģis, Holiday, and Kornet no longer on the roster, we dig into what this deal says about...
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Who Is RJ Luis Jr. & Why Did the Celtics Trade for Him?
RJ Luis Jr. and Chris Boucher are the newest Boston Celtics, but are these under-the-radar moves signs of something bigger brewing in Boston? The Celtics traded Georges Niang and two second-round picks to the Jazz for rookie RJ Luis Jr., then quickly signed Boucher to a one-year, $3.3 million…
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Should the Celtics Trade for Lauri Markkanen?
Could the Celtics actually land Lauri Markkanen this offseason? Adam and George break down a bold trade proposal and debate whether it’s a title-winning move or a swing too far. Who says no, and would Markkanen make Boston the favorite once Tatum returns? They also react to rumors about Charles...
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Did the Celtics Fail the Offseason? C Grade?!
Did the Celtics just blow their offseason? Ben Rohrbach gave Boston a C for their summer moves and we’re breaking down whether the return for Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis was as weak as it looks. Is Anfernee Simons a long-term fit? Which East teams did Yahoo Sports get wrong in their...
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Did the Celtics Make a Huge Mistake Trading Desmond Bane?
What if the Celtics never traded Desmond Bane on draft night? We open the show by looking back at ESPN’s ranking of every NBA team’s biggest roster mistake since 2020, where Boston landed at number 22 for dealing away Bane and Enes Kanter in exchange for just two second-round picks. How would…
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This Domantas Sabonis Trade Could Make the Celtics Unstoppable
Are the Celtics one Domantas Sabonis trade away from dominating the East? We kick things off with a bold mock deal that would send Sabonis to Boston, and debate whether giving up two firsts and key role players is worth it. Could he be the final piece to a championship roster? Then we take a look...
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What Celtics Players NEED To Make A Big Jump In 2025-26?
Which Celtics players must take the next step in 2025-26 if Boston wants to stay on top? We’re talking Payton Pritchard’s case for the starting point guard spot, Baylor Scheierman’s role and defensive concerns, and which young prospects like Josh Minott or Luka Garza could actually crack the...
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Can the Celtics Win It All with Damian Lillard?
Is Damian Lillard to Boston already a done deal in the minds of Celtics fans? We break down what a Lillard signing would mean for the team’s depth chart, how it impacts Derrick White and Payton Pritchard, and whether the Celtics instantly become title favorites for the 2026-27 season. Plus, the...
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Insane Anfernee Simons Trades the Celtics Could Make
The Celtics are shopping Anfernee Simons... but are any of these wild trade ideas actually worth it? In this episode, we react to rumored deals involving Brandon Clarke, Nikola Vucevic, and even DeMar DeRozan. Which trade helps Boston win now, and which ones make zero sense? Then we tackle the…
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Are the Celtics About to Land Damian Lillard & Bradley Beal?
Did the Celtics just open the door for Damian Lillard or Bradley Beal to join the squad? Jrue Holiday is off to Portland, and now Boston might be looking for a new backcourt star. Could Dame be the short-term answer? Is Beal a better fit next to Jayson Tatum? The hosts dig into what either move...
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Would Damian Lillard Help or Hurt the Boston Celtics?
The Celtics are reportedly interested in Damian Lillard, but would he actually fit next to Tatum and Brown? Is bringing him off the bench with Payton Pritchard starting a wild idea or exactly what this team needs? The guys also react to Boston signing Josh Minott and what it means for the…
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Celtics Free Agency Moves Make No Sense… Or Do They?
Are the Celtics quietly rebuilding or straight-up tanking for AJ Dybantsa? With NBA free agency officially underway, we kick things off by diving into Boston’s head-scratching offseason moves, including signing Luka Garza, letting Luke Kornet walk to the Spurs, and drafting three under-the-radar...
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Who Is Hugo González? Celtics Make a Bold NBA Draft Gamble
Did the Celtics just draft a future star or a long-term project at pick No. 28? We dive into the Hugo González selection and what Brad Stevens had to say about the international wing with big upside. From his size and defense to the skills he still needs to polish, we break down what fans should...
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Celtics Trade Jrue Holiday for Anfernee Simons: Did Boston Fleece Portland?
Celtics fans are celebrating after Boston pulled off a surprise trade that sent Jrue Holiday to Portland and brought back scoring guard Anfernee Simons. We break down why this move has Celtics Nation buzzing, how it fits into Boston’s long-term plans, and what it means for the team’s cap…
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Jaylen Brown in a Spurs Jersey? Celtics Trade Talk is Getting Real
Is Jaylen Brown really on his way out of Boston? A wild new trade rumor has the Celtics star headed to San Antonio, and we’re breaking it all down. From Brett Siegel’s latest report to a massive three-team deal proposed by Sports Illustrated, we dive into what it would take for the Celtics to…
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
This is NESN’s Celtics podcast. Travis Thomas breaks down the Boston Celtics and NBA landscape: Stories about the teams, the players, and the culture.
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NESN
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