A Sox Check-In With Julian McWilliams. Plus, the Celts Couldn’t Stop the Raptors!
Jan 16, 2025
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Julian McWilliams, a Boston Globe reporter renowned for breaking the Garrett Crochet trade story, joins to discuss the Red Sox’s offseason plans. He dives into what fans can expect from new ace Garrett Crochet and the future of Jarren Duran amidst trade rumors. The conversation shifts to potential free agent Alex Bregman's prospects and the challenges of maintaining player value in a competitive market. They also unpack the Celtics' ongoing struggles, reflecting on key player performances and the implications for the team's playoff potential.
The Celtics are currently struggling with their defensive performance, particularly highlighted by their recent loss to the Raptors.
Discussion with Julian McWilliams sheds light on the Red Sox's offseason strategies and potential player movements, including Garrett Crochet's impact.
Concerns are raised regarding the accountability of Celtics players like Derek White and Jalen Brown amid their slumping performances.
The hosts emphasize the excitement of NFL playoffs and the variety of betting opportunities available through FanDuel for engaged fans.
Deep dives
Introduction of Off Guard Podcast
The podcast is hosted by Austin Rivers, an 11-year NBA veteran, and Pasha Giggy, who discuss various topics related to basketball. Rivers emphasizes the entertainment aspect of their conversations while providing a player's perspective on the game. They engage their audience by encouraging them to follow on social media and access the show on Spotify or other podcast platforms. In addition to their discussions, they promote partnerships, highlighting brands like FanDuel.
FanDuel and NBA Betting Insights
The hosts discuss the excitement surrounding the NFL playoffs and the opportunities for betting through FanDuel, recognized as America's number one sportsbook. They talk about the plethora of betting options available, including innovative markets like same-game parlays and betting on specific in-game events. They highlight the app's ease of use and immediacy of payouts upon winning while reminding listeners about responsible gaming practices. The emphasis is placed on giving fans the chance to engage with the games through betting.
The State of the Celtics' Performance
The podcast dives into the troubling recent performances of the Celtics, particularly following a loss to the Toronto Raptors. The hosts express concern about the team's defense and note a troubling trend of poor defensive quarters in recent games. Specific statistics illustrate the Raptors' offensive efficiency against the Celtics, including successful shooting from high-quality areas. The conversation shifts to scrutinizing player efforts, adjustments made by the coaching staff, and potential pride issues among the players.
Player Performance and Accountability
The discussion highlights the struggles of specific Celtics players, such as Derek White and Jalen Brown, who are underperforming compared to their earlier seasons. There is a focus on the need for accountability and possible rest for players who are experiencing slumps. The hosts reflect on the importance of adjusting player roles based on current performance levels and emphasize that the team must regain its defensive identity. With the playoffs approaching, the urgency for improvement becomes critical.
Looking Ahead: The Importance of Defensive Focus
The hosts argue for a renewed focus on defensive intensity as the Celtics prepare for the remainder of the season. They underline the significance of maintaining a strong defensive presence, particularly as the team faces tougher opponents. There is an exploration of the potential ramifications if the Celtics cannot adjust and improve their play. The overall narrative underscores the need for pride and effort on the defensive end to ensure success in the playoffs.
Incorporating Listener Engagement
Engagement with the audience is prevalent throughout the podcast, with the hosts encouraging fans to share thoughts and opinions. They discuss upcoming games and player matchups while inviting listeners to reflect on their own expectations and predictions. Topics include specific players' impacts on the team's performance and storylines unfolding throughout the league. Interactive discussions spur interest and create a community around the podcast, enhancing the listener experience.
Concluding Thoughts and Future Episodes
The conversation wraps up with anticipatory thoughts on future episodes of the podcast and upcoming games in the NBA. The hosts remind listeners to stay connected through social media, ensuring they do not miss updates and insights. They express enthusiasm for continuing to bring basketball discussions to their audience. Finally, a call to action for listeners to submit voicemails and questions solidifies a collaborative spirit among fans and the hosts.
Brian discusses the Celtics’ continued slump after they lost to the lowly Raptors on Wednesday night (0:35). Then, he chats with The Boston Globe’s Julian McWilliams about the Red Sox’s offseason, what to expect from the Sox’s new ace Garrett Crochet, Jarren Duran’s future with the team, the Triston Casas trade rumors, where free agent Alex Bregman may end up, and more (19:00). Brian and Jamie end with their best bets and picks for the NFL divisional round (1:07:35).
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