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

Phil Pressey has gone from Celtics player, to Celtics assistant coach, to Maine Celtics head coach. He covers his journey in detail in this week’s episode, including how Brad Stevens and Joe Mazzulla have influenced his coaching philosophy and daily approach to the job. Pressey tells a crazy story from this season that encapsulates the nature of life in the G League (and he sounds a bit like Joe Mazzulla while telling it). Plus, Pressey gives his insights on Celtics rookie draft picks Amari Williams and Max Shulga, plus two-way player Ron Harper Jr. 00:10: Becoming head coach of the Maine Celtics and coaching philosophies06:52: How Brad Stevens, Joe Mazzulla and European coaches have influenced his coaching style12:03: Handling the inconsistencies of life in the G League15:51: Insights on Amari Williams, Ron Harper Jr. and Max Shulga21:53: Coaching Maine to a franchise-record nine-game win streak27:53: Crazy stories from life in the G League

Jordan Walsh made a presentation to his Celtics teammates this season about anime. He tells you how it came up and what he taught them, and how the exercise has built team chemistry. Walsh also details the mental struggles of his first two seasons in the NBA, and what has led to his sudden emergence as a critical player for the Celtics. The third-year forward, who sits next to superstar Jaylen Brown on the team plane, also brings viewers into what it’s like to be next to Brown every day, and the comment from Jayson Tatum that got Walsh through his first two seasons. 00:30: Walsh explains his love of anime and his presentation to the Celtics04:50: Favorite nicknames so far05:42: What led to his sudden emergence08:15: Sitting next to Jaylen Brown on the team plane11:45: Defending opposing superstars14:20: Getting through the difficult times17:45: Secret sauce of the development program at the Celtics

Dominique Wilkins, knnown as the Human Highlight Film, had one of the most successful returns from a ruptured Achilles in NBA history, as he returned to action after just 10 months and averaged 30 points per game that season. As Jayson Tatum recovers from his own Achilles tear, Wilkins gives advice and insight into what it takes to successfully return from the injury. Wilkins also turns the clock back to his memorable matchups against Larry Bird and the dynasty Celtics of the 1980s, and details his experience of signing with the Celtics in 1994 and what made him choose to live in Boston for years after his retirement.00:55: Suffering an Achilles tear and the process of returning to play08:00: Playing in Boston as a visiting player in the 1980s13:45: Historic battle with Larry Bird in Game.7 in 198819:45: Top memories of playing for the Celtics and living in Boston23:30: Leaving North Carolina and the ACC to play for Georgia in the SEC24:45: Playing in the final game in the old Boston Garden26:30: Jaylen Brown honoring Dominique in the Slam Dunk Contest

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.