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

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.

Payton Pritchard, a rising star for the Boston Celtics known for his incredible work ethic and sharpshooting, shares his inspiring journey. He discusses his transformative season, balancing personal life and professional growth while overcoming significant challenges. Payton opens up about battling mental health struggles and the lessons learned from adversity. With a hint of humor, he shares anecdotes about teammates and his pursuit of excellence, all while looking forward to the exciting future ahead.

The COVID-19 pandemic broke out at the tail end of Baylor Scheierman’s and Anton Watson’s freshman seasons in college. The pandemic wound up shaping the rest of their lives, as both wound up staying in college for five years. The two Boston Celtics rookies and draft picks recall what it was like when COVID hit, how they benefited from an extra year of college basketball, what they’ve learned from being teammates with superstars like Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, and what they think of head coach Joe Mazzulla.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sam Cassell, a Celtics assistant coach and four-time NBA champion, dives into his storied career. He shares the emotional highs of winning titles, including special moments like greeting Jayson Tatum with a champagne shower. Cassell discusses Joe Mazzulla's coaching style and Jayson Tatum's unique coachability, emphasizing the teamwork that fosters success. He also touches on the dynamics of building strong relationships within the Celtics organization and explores the aspirations of coaching in the NBA.

In this conversation, Jrue Holiday, a defensive powerhouse for the Celtics, is joined by fellow guard Derrick White, known for his shot-blocking finesse. They humorously reflect on their nickname, 'The Stock Exchange,' and seek ideas for a unique handshake. The duo dives into their defensive chemistry, sharing insights on communication during intense games. They celebrate their roles in the team's defensive synergy, detailing how trust and adaptability boost their game, and discuss what truly makes an exceptional defender.

Joe Mazzulla, head coach of the Boston Celtics, shares insights into his distinctive coaching style that blends psychology with team culture. He discusses his inspiration from legends like Red Auerbach and Pep Guardiola. Mazzulla emphasizes the significance of personal expression in a championship-winning environment and explains how a supportive community fosters excellence. He also navigates the balance between winning and losing, shedding light on the importance of humility and adaptability in team dynamics.