The Hard Foul pod is back. After a long break, Jim and Mike Quigley return to break down one of the most surprising Celtics seasons in years — and why this team has wildly exceeded expectations.
They dive into Boston’s front office masterclass, from hitting on minimum contracts and second-round picks to the breakout development of Jordan Walsh, Hugo González, Nemias Queta, and Luka Garza. This roster is deep, young, and actually good.
The guys also unpack Jalen Brown’s All-NBA-level season, why this feels like his team right now, and how Joe Mazzulla’s system has unlocked the best version of Brown we’ve ever seen.
Plus: the looming trade deadline, potential targets, Eastern Conference chaos, and the biggest question of the season — should Jason Tatum return this year after an Achilles injury, and what would that mean for a team that’s already rolling?
The Hard Foul is back — and Celtics basketball is fun again. ☘️🎙️
00:00 – Welcome Back: Hard Foul Returns
The pod is back after a long break — why the timing finally made sense.
01:15 – This Celtics Team Is Way Better Than Expected
Early reactions to Boston’s record, ratings, and why this isn’t a fluke.
02:55 – A Front Office Masterclass
Minimum contracts, second-round picks, and how Brad Stevens nailed the offseason.
04:00 – Player Development Hits Everywhere
Jordan Walsh, Hugo González, Nemias Queta, Luka Garza, and unexpected growth across the roster.
06:30 – Wing Depth Changes Everything
Why Boston’s young wings on cheap deals reshape the future of the team.
07:30 – Coaching & Organizational Advantage
Why the Celtics’ scouting, development, and coaching pipeline might be the league’s best.
08:40 – Jalen Brown’s Leap to All-NBA
Why this feels like his team — scoring, playmaking, defense, and leadership.
11:00 – How Mazzulla Is Unlocking Brown
Offensive structure, spacing, and why teams can’t double him anymore.
13:15 – Celtics Defense: Give Up Threes, Force Mistakes
The defensive philosophy and why it’s working.
14:35 – Life Without Tatum (So Far)
How Boston has survived — and thrived — without him.
18:15 – The Jason Tatum Question
Should he return this season after an Achilles injury, or wait?
21:30 – Can Tatum Fit Without Disrupting This Team?
Minutes, roles, and the mental side of returning from a major injury.
25:05 – Are the Celtics Better With or Without Him (This Year)?
A real, uncomfortable but necessary debate.
29:40 – Eastern Conference Playoff Race
Seeding, contenders, and why the next few weeks matter.
30:50 – Trade Deadline Talk Begins
What Boston should (and shouldn’t) do.
33:00 – Realistic Trade Targets & Fits
Centers, contracts, and why most names don’t actually make sense.
39:40 – The New CBA Is Killing Trades
Why deals are harder than ever — and who it hurts.
45:50 – League-Wide Deadline Wish List
Giannis rumors, buyer’s market chaos, and teams to watch.
49:00 – Final Thoughts & What’s Next
Upcoming games, the deadline, and why this is a fun Celtics moment.
52:30 – Thanks to the Listeners
Why the pod exists — and why the guys love doing it.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
