View From The Rafters: Behind the Scenes with the Boston Celtics

Hugo Gonzalez, a 19-year-old pro basketball player who made a seamless transition from Real Madrid to the NBA, shares his remarkable journey. He talks about joining Real Madrid at just nine years old and the intense pressure that came with it. Hugo discusses the tactical nature of EuroLeague basketball compared to the NBA's physical demands. He reveals how his professional-player parents shaped his path and comments on the legend of Luka Doncic, highlighting Luka's impact as a role model in Madrid's academy.

Josh Minott joins VFTR on his birthday – and he’s bringing the gift of storytelling. The rising Celtics forward dives into his NBA journey, the grind of earning minutes on a championship-level roster, and why humor helps him stay locked in through the ups and downs of a season. He shares what wearing No. 8 means to him, how Celtics fans have embraced his energy, and why playing hard is non-negotiable. Minott also opens up about his role in Boston’s depth-driven rotation, learning through real NBA reps, playing alongside another sparkplug wing in Hugo Gonzalez, and feeding off team energy. He touches on what it’s like guarding star players (preparing for war), his Jamaican heritage, championship hunger, and the fiery dynamic between him and Joe Mazzulla. 00:18: A birthday surprise for Josh00:55: Navigating an inconsistent role on a deep roster02:45: Josh seeing his hard work pay off04:29: Building a winning routine05:34: Why Celtics fans fell in love with Josh’s energy08:20: The meaning behind No. 810:19: Playing alongside Hugo Gonzalez & feeding off team energy11:08: Defensive mindset: guarding the opponent’s best13:08: Jamaican heritage & hopes for Jamaican hoops17:45: Championship goals & fiery relationship with Joe Mazzulla

Celtics Legend Robert Parish joins the VFTR pod for a wide-ranging conversation on one of the greatest eras in Boston basketball history, while connecting it with the game today. Parish reflects on the unselfish culture of the 1986 Celtics, reconnecting with Larry Bird and Kevin McHale, and what it meant to be a part of the original Big 3. He shares stories of the moment he knew how special that Celtics team would become, the hard lesson he learned when joining that team, and the underappreciated legacy of Cedric Maxwell. The Hall-of-Famer also dives into going head-to-head with Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, winning titles with both Bird and Michael Jordan, and comparisons between the 1986 and 2024 championship teams. He gives his thoughts on why Jayson Tatum is a “generational talent,” and his view on Victor Wembanyama and the evolution of big men. From Celtics City nostalgia to a Maxwell Hall of Fame campaign, The Chief delivers honesty, humor, and timeless perspective on what makes championship basketball.  1:36 – What made the 1986 Celtics so special4:44 – Reuniting with Larry Bird and Kevin McHale6:21 – Cedric Maxwell’s overlooked impact8:08 – When Parish knew the Celtics were championship material10:14 – The origin story of No. 0012:11 – Jayson Tatum as a “generational talent”14:26 – Similarities between 1986 and 2024 title teams14:40 – Parish on load management & his games-played record19:30 – Battling Kareem & the most unstoppable big men22:48 – Winning titles with Bird and MJ, their different leadership styles28:54 – Cedric Maxwell’s Hall of Fame campaign

Isaiah Thomas, former NBA All-Star point guard and Boston Celtics favorite, shares his unforgettable moments in the league. He recounts the hilarious story of popcorning rookie Jaylen Brown's car and the fun fallout that followed. Thomas reflects on his rise to superstardom during his time in Boston and the thrill of visiting the Inside the NBA studio, where he earned respect from legends like Shaquille O'Neal. He also reminisces about the excitement of his first All-Star experience, feeling like a kid in a candy store.

Luka Garza, a former Iowa standout and new Boston Celtics big man, shares his journey back to the East Coast after years in the Midwest. He highlights the Celtics' unique player development program and the deep-rooted athleticism in his family. A standout moment is his candid recounting of a life-threatening surgery that removed a 10-pound cyst from his abdomen during college, showcasing his resilience. Garza also discusses the camaraderie he's building with new teammates and why Boston's culture drew him in.

Karen Russell, daughter of Bill Russell, shares personal stories from her childhood immersed in Celtics dynasties. Paul Heinsohn reflects on the close-knit relationships among players' families, revealing unique insights into their day-to-day lives. Bryna Jones discusses how social media has allowed 'dynasty kids' to reconnect and celebrate their fathers’ legacies. The trio reminisces about memorable moments, from Red Auerbach’s coaching to humorous road trip antics, and draws parallels to the values embodied by today’s stars like Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown.

In a compelling conversation, Anfernee Simons, the talented NBA guard recently traded to the Celtics, shares insights about adjusting to Boston's rich culture and coaching style. He recounts his unforgettable experience witnessing Damian Lillard's iconic 2019 playoff shot and how it shaped his approach to the game. Simons also discusses the emotional impact of scoring 43 points right after his grandfather's passing. With humor, he engages in light-hearted chatter about food and the camaraderie building with his new teammates.

In this engaging discussion, Joe Mazzulla, head coach of the Boston Celtics, shares his insights on the importance of organizational history and reveals the thought process behind his viral quotes. Meanwhile, Payton Pritchard candidly opens up about his career year and the challenges he faced during a tough season, including his trade request. The duo also dives into the defensive chemistry between Derrick White and Jrue Holiday, and new rookies learn valuable lessons from their superstar teammates. It's a treasure trove of basketball wisdom!

What happens when many of the top Celtics podcasts unite under one roof? You get the official Celtics mega crossover pod 🎙️☘️ View From The Rafters hosts Marc D’Amico, Sean Grande and Abby Chin brought John Karalis of Locked On Celtics, Chris Forsberg of Celtics Talk and Jay King of Still Poddable together for a one-of-a-kind episode featuring great stories, New Year’s resolutions and light-hearted shenanigans along the way. They discuss their favorite Celtics memories, such as Leon Powe’s return to Oakland and Isaiah Thomas’ 53-point playoff gem, as well as which player is the best quote from those whom they’ve covered. They close it out with some measured opinions on the 2024-2025 campaign. Check out the end of the pod where they give a special shoutout to their fans and info on how you can listen to each show.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Phil Pressey has been around the Celtics for almost two decades. Whether it was beating Tony Allen in shooting bets as a kid, getting picked up as an undrafted free agent as a player, or now being a coach for the title-winning Celtics, he embodies what it means to be a Celtic. Phil tells us what it was like growing up around NBA players as his dad was racking up a 20-year coaching career, and how that experience shaped him as a coach. He also talks about his relationship with Brad Stevens and Joe Mazzulla, including how he wound up back in Boston on their coaching staff, and about Payton Pritchard’s insane work ethic. He even tells kids from his hometown to pay attention to what Pritchard brings to the table.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.