First To The Floor: A Boston Celtics Podcast
448 episodes - English - Latest episode: 2 days ago - ★★★★★ - 32 ratingsWelcome to First to the Floor, a Boston Celtics channel bringing you levelheaded overreactions, occasional coherent analysis, and a few laughs (we hope). The First to the Floor team, Ben Vallis, Jake Issenberg, and Wayne Spooney, might not be traditional members of the media, but that’s some of our charm. As part of the CLNS Network, we have unique access to great guests like Abby Chin, Chris Forsberg, Drew Carter, and sometimes we even let Barstool’s Dan Greenberg join. No matter how you like your Celtics content, we’ve got you covered. Between full-length pods, live game watch-a-longs, articles for Celticsblog, clips, and film breakdowns, let us be your spot for everything Celtics. We aren’t in this for the money (otherwise we’d all be homeless by now), we do it because it’s fun. And what makes it fun is interacting with our listeners. F2TF isn’t just a podcast, it’s a community. So, jump into the community, join the Discord, subscribe on YouTube and your favorite podcast app.
🕒Check out this week's underrated plays vid: https://youtu.be/aiSOMrMsX1k
🎙️Subscribe to the podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/first-to-the-floor-a-boston-celtics-podcast/id1351038879
📷Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/firsttothefloor18/
🍀Watch live Celtics games with us: https://playback.tv/celticsblog
😮Check out Spooney's latest column on CelticsBlog: https://bit.ly/3UCITHv
🚨JOIN OUR DISCORD SERVER: https://discord.gg/H75UWjmtya
👕Buy our MERCH, Support the show!: https://bit.ly/fttfmerch
Homepage Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Overcast Castro Pocket Casts RSS feed
Episodes
Brad Stevens, A Man With a Plan (Ep. 143)
August 07, 2021 02:50 - 43 minutesThe Celtics’ quiet free agency period has somewhat unveiled their plans for the future, but how likely are they to pull it off? What are the pathways available to reach their goal? Plus, acquirable superstars, Marcus Smart’s extension, and Dennis Schroder rumours. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Trades Ahoy! (Ep. 142)
July 31, 2021 12:51 - 58 minutesPresident Brad Stevens continues his epic debut season run, making two significant trades right after the 2021 NBA draft. Are the new acquisitions guaranteed to stick around? What are the obstacles with re-signing Evan Fournier, and where do the Celtics go from here? Plus, post draft reactions, the Lakers acquiring Westbrook, and ESPN’s botched draft coverage. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Celtics Trivia Bonanza Grand Final (Ep. 141)
July 26, 2021 02:19 - 28 minutesRound 3, the GRAND FINAL of our annual Celtics Trivia Bonanza. Joe (u/NoScrotesMcfly) and Mike (u/Wayne_Spooney) go head-to-head for all the marbles. Only one can walk away with championship glory to hang a banner. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Celtics Trivia Bonanza: Round 2 (Ep. 140)
July 18, 2021 12:31 - 43 minutesRound 2 of our annual Celtics Trivia Bonanza. Jayson (u/CelticsJ) and Mike (u/Wayne_Spooney) go head-to-head for the Northern Conference championship, the winner of which will face Joe for all the marbles in the Grand Final Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Celtics Trivia Bonanza (Ep. 139)
July 09, 2021 04:01 - 35 minutesRound 1 of our annual Celtics Trivia Bonanza. Jackson and Joe go head-to-head for the Southern Conference championship, the winner of which will face our Northern Conference champ in the finals. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Welcome Ime Udoka (Ep. 138)
June 24, 2021 02:56 - 25 minutesEverything you need to know about Ime Udoka. Origins, playing career, coaching career, we’ve got it all covered. Plus, how will Udoka’s coaching style gel with Celtics’ core? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Sixers Schadenfreude (oh, and Kemba was traded) (Ep. 137)
June 22, 2021 13:22 - 46 minutesEvaluating Brad Stevens first move as President of Basketball Ops. Was the Kemba for Horford trade a win for both sides? Plus, the Tatum & Brown roster-building challenge, Moses Brown's value, the demise of the process, and is Jaylen Brown the best player in the 2016 draft? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Celtics Reddit’s Unpopular Opinions (Ep. 136)
June 16, 2021 11:09 - 57 minutesThis week we’re riffing off Celtics Reddit’s most unpopular opinions, including Tatum and Brown’s effect on Ainge’s retirement, Kemba needs a decent roll-man to save his Celtic career, no roster changes are needed, and much more. Plus, Tatum commits to the Tokyo Olympic team and misses out on All-NBA honors. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Brad Stevens, Coach Whisperer (Ep. 135)
June 11, 2021 04:24 - 54 minutesWho is the standout coaching candidate for the Celtics? Strong cases have been made this week for Darvin Ham and Ime Udoka. Plus, the media is increasing the volume on Kemba Walker trade rumours. What rumoured trade would bring back the most complementary pieces for the Tatum and Brown? Later, 2021 draft considerations, and mapping out the offseason. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Changing of the Garden (Ep. 134)
June 04, 2021 04:20 - 53 minutesDanny Ainge is stepping down, while Brad Stevens is stepping up. What sense do we get from Brad that he’s up for the task? Plus, celebrating the end of a significant era with the “Top 5 Danny Ainge Moments”, evaluating the coaching hire options, and addressing today’s NBC Sports Boston article on an impending Kemba Walker trade. Also, a huge warm welcome to our new guy, Jason aka u/CelticsJ! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Drama Eclipses Tatum's Promise (Ep. 133)
June 01, 2021 12:45 - 40 minutesWe are recruiting! Plus, Tatum leads the “positive takeaway” squad as the Celtics dwindle against a stacked Brooklyn Nets, Kemba adds a disappointing chapter to his Celtics tenure, and Kyrie Irving is somehow not the most disappointing character after game 4. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Play-in GOAT, Jayson Tatum (Ep. 132)
May 19, 2021 12:27 - 52 minutesThe Celtics successfully play their way into the playoffs thanks to Tatum’s 50 point domination of the Wizards. Are Tatum’s post-game leadership comments enough to silents the doubters? Plus, should we be evaluating Kemba and Smart’s value as trade pieces or future roster pieces, Timelord’s growing injury list, general playoff excitement, and why you should be hopeful in the upcoming series against the Nets. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Fan Therapy, May 2021 (Ep. 131)
May 12, 2021 13:08 - 1 hourAnother much-needed Fan Therapy session after disappointing back-to-back losses in must-win games against the Heat. Did we learn anything about this team that we didn’t already know? Plus, difficult Tatum truths, Jaylen’s Injury, offseason moves, and the many reasons for optimism going forward. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jay60n Tatum (Ep. 129)
May 01, 2021 05:02 - 30 minutesImmediate reactions to the Celtics’ incredible 32 point comeback victory against the Spurs, including Tatum’s 60 point performance, Nesmith’s soaring stock value, and Celtics fans abandoning the team at half-time. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
w/ Steve Bulpett (Ep. 130)
May 01, 2021 01:31 - 52 minutesLongtime Celtics/NBA reporter, Steve Bulpett, joins us to help us understand this bizarre Celtics season. Plus, addressing Brad Stevens criticism, player allegiances across different sports, comparing the team’s perception of Tatum and Brown to previous star duos, and loads more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Nesmith Game (Ep. 128)
April 29, 2021 13:02 - 1 hourTatum and Brown lead the Celtics to a bounce-back win against the pesky Hornets, while Aaron Nesmith injects some much-needed energy into the bench squad, but is it enough to sway fans’ expectations heading into the playoffs? Plus, the Thompson/Timelord big rotation is awesome, Romeo’s minutes reduction, and Smart’s “threatening language”. Finally, a look at the final 9 games and the likelihood of the Celtics claiming the 4th seed. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Playbook of Mormon (Ep. 127)
April 17, 2021 12:32 - 53 minutesWhere will Jabari Parker fit into the Celtics’ rotation? Whose minutes will he absorb, if anyones? Plus, the Celtics five-game hot streak, Kemba’s increased Tatum & Brown assist numbers, Tatum’s pick ’n roll playmaking, and expectations for the remainder of the season. In the Reddit recap, MEMES. Memes everywhere. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
53 Reasons to Love Jayson Tatum (Ep. 126)
April 10, 2021 11:20 - 49 minutesJayson Tatum became the youngest 50-point scorer in Celtics history as the Celtics take five quarters to shake off the Timberwolves. Plus, the continued evaluation of Kemba Walker, Timelord’s post-Embiid performances, and Marcus Smart; struggling would-be star, or amazing role player? Later in the Reddit recap, do fans need to dial back the criticism of their favorite players? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Spiritual Malaise (Ep. 125)
April 02, 2021 09:04 - 49 minutesWhat exactly is wrong with the Celtics? Do the players even think this season is worth it? Can the season be saved or should we look to the offseason? Plus, nitpicking at Tatum and Smart’s games, evaluating the “read and react” offense, and why the stability of the Celtics franchise will dig us out of this hole. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
w/ guest Tom Westerholm (Ep. 124)
March 28, 2021 01:54 - 24 minutesCeltics beat writer for Boston.com and host of the Gino Time podcast Tom Westerholm joins us to discuss the Celtics moves at the trade deadline, the Celtics’ long term outlook, and potential moves in the buyout market. Plus, how Tom got into sportswriting, and what trade deadline day is like from the perspective of a beat writer. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
w/ guest Fongos (Ep. 123)
March 26, 2021 03:51 - 58 minutesKnown Theis expert Fongos joins us to commiserate over Theis’ departure at the trade deadline and the idea of shifting focus to other members of the Celtics' roster. Plus, the short/long-term assessment of the Fournier trade, tax concerns, buyout candidates, and Luke Kornet the Embiid stopper. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Celtics Fan Therapy (Ep. 122)
March 18, 2021 11:49 - 57 minutesTatum and Brown put up solid performances in a loss to the Cavaliers, but a disappointing 1-3 stretch after the all-star break has triggered our second Fan Therapy episode of 2021. Is the bench to blame for the Celtics’ repeated struggles, or do the Jays need to do more? Is there any remaining confidence these issues can or will be resolve by the trade deadline? Plus, TPE fatigue, Timelord’s greatness, a relaxed COVID policy, and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adc...
Barnes or Bust? (Ep. 121)
March 10, 2021 11:47 - 40 minutesCelebrating Tatum and Brown's performances throughout all-star Sunday, the best/worst moments at the halfway point of the regular season, and whether it’s worth owning those ‘moments’ on NBA Top Shot. Plus, the Celtics Reddit Recap, including Harrison Barnes’ impact compared to Gordon Hayward, Paul Pierce as a HOF finalist, and the pros & cons of hoarding our first-round picks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
And Suddenly, a Win Streak (Ep. 120)
March 03, 2021 12:26 - 1 hourThe Celtics suddenly find themselves amidst a win streak after sinking the Clippers courtesy of Kemba, Timelord and patches of solid team defense. This week, we look at Kemba’s increasing impact beyond the stats, the Pritchard/Timelord connection, and the defensive schemes still bothering Tatum. Plus, the Celtics Reddit Recap, including putting the Hayward/Turner thing to rest, clearing up Timelord’s “artery condition”, and what a soft rebuild might look like. Learn more about your ad choic...
The Jays are All-Stars (Ep. 119)
February 24, 2021 12:29 - 1 hourKemba Walker has been gradually improving this past week, but is he a good long-term fit as a third option next to Tatum and Brown? Plus, key moments in another frustrating loss to the Mavericks, continued defensive issues, and the Jays make the all-star team. Later, the Celtics Reddit Recap, including the lasting curse of the Isaiah Thomas trade. Link to u/hecalledgame’s Curse of IT post. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In Defense of Brad Stevens (Ep. 118)
February 18, 2021 12:28 - 1 hourWhy are the Celtics losing so frequently? Is it poor coaching, ‘ticker’, roster related, or something else? What is the justification for playing Thompson over Timelord? Plus, the Celtics’ defensive weaknesses, the Jays usage/assist rates, rising Aaron Nesmith stock, and addressing the “Fire Brad Stevens” movement. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
w/ guest Ryan Bernardoni
February 10, 2021 03:31 - 45 minutes - 36.5 MBRyan Bernardoni (aka Dangercart) joins us to discuss the Celtics’ evolving TPE situation, comparing dream and realistic TPE outcomes, Tatum’s elevating ceiling and the revolving door center rotation. Plus, why a Kemba trade is considered unlikely, and fielding twitter inquiries from Celtics nerds.
w/ guest Ryan Bernardoni (Ep. 117)
February 10, 2021 03:28 - 46 minutesRyan Bernardoni (aka Dangercart) joins us to discuss the Celtics’ evolving TPE situation, comparing dream and realistic TPE outcomes, Tatum’s elevating ceiling and the revolving door center rotation. Plus, why a Kemba trade is considered unlikely, and fielding twitter inquiries from Celtics nerds. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Duos are the new trios (Ep. 116)
February 02, 2021 11:39 - 1 hourA narrow loss to the Lakers provides some cause for optimism, with great performances from Tatum & Brown and an emerging big-man hierarchy with Theis and Timelord. Meanwhile, Kemba Walker is a divisive player among fans. We discuss the arguments for and against keeping Kemba as the supplemental star to the Jays. Plus, Marcus Smart’s injury, JJ Redick trade rumors, Tatum’s all-time career moments, and much more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
We May Have a Big 3 on Our Hands (Ep. 115)
January 27, 2021 02:15 - 1 hourTatum impresses in his first game back, while Jaylen continues his epic stretch with an effortless 26 points. With Kemba’s return to form, how can we expect the Celtics’ “Big 3” to perform? How do they compare to other dynamic trios and duos around the league? Plus, Aaron Nesmith’s rising stock, Marcus Smart the pure point guard, revisiting the big-man rotation after Theis’ impressive stretch, and much more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Return of Bouncy Kemba (Ep. 114)
January 18, 2021 10:23 - 37 minutesKemba’s welcome back party was nixed by the Knicks, but there were some promising elements to his game. Plus, on/off numbers for our big three, and some fans are losing patience with Grant Williams. Later, the after-shock from the Harden trade, and should Celtics Reddit ban Kyrie content? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Celtics Fan Therapy #3 (Ep. 113)
January 13, 2021 11:45 - 1 hourWith no recent Celtics games and the immediate future unclear, it’s time for another Fan Therapy podcast. What’s going great for the Celtics? What’s going terribly for our rivals? There’s plenty to lift your mood in these difficult times. Plus, Joe shares his experience attending Game 6 of the 2008 finals while the guys share their favorite Celtics “rewind” moments. Finally, this week’s reddit recap addresses the recent spike in “acquire Harrison Barnes with the TPE” posts. Learn more about ...
Known Basketball Savant and Genius, Payton Pritchard (Ep. 112)
January 05, 2021 12:00 - 1 hourHow does Payton Pritchard compare to previous Celtics 1st round picks, and what impact will his early ascension have on this season? Plus, Jayson Tatum continues to improve, but fans are still divided on his late-game shot selection, leading to contentious comparisons to a young Kobe Bryant. Later, some much-needed performances from the young bench, Jaylen Brown can do no wrong, and Celtics Reddit is divided on Brian Scalabrine. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Hard(en) Times (Ep. 111)
December 28, 2020 08:00 - 41 minutesWhat are the biggest takeaways from the first three games? Is it possible Tatum’s missed deep game-winner is not that big a deal? Plus, reactions to the Pacers game, Jaylen’s strong start, and the best new roster addition “showcases”. Finally, humoring the Harden trade enthusiasts, exploring non-Jaylen Brown trade scenarios and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
"Chinwagging" with Abby Chin (Ep. 110)
December 23, 2020 01:01 - 53 minutesAs promised, the very friendly and reflective Abby Chin answers YOUR questions, and some of ours as well. Topics covered include Abby’s journey to becoming the sideline reporter for the Celtics, how it all went down when she was let go (and re-hired) by NBC Sports Boston, what a working day looks like and her thoughts on the upcoming season. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Pritchard Pops in Preseason (Ep. 109)
December 16, 2020 06:24 - 39 minutesPayton Pritchard and Aaron Nesmith put up strong debuts for the Celtics. Running down the roster, what were the impacts to player value coming out of the first preseason games? Is Jeff Teague just Ray Allen in Brad Wanamaker's body? Plus, a genuine welcome back to Abby Chin, and why it's okay that Tatum and Brown played terribly. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Prepare for Showcase Season (Ep. 108)
December 14, 2020 12:31 - 59 minutesWhich young Celtic is most likely to “pop” and become a reliable contributor or a legitimate asset to help the Celtics use their Traded Player Exception? Is Hayward’s departure indicative of his lack of confidence in Tatum and the Celtics’ championship aspirations? This week we deep-dive into LarBrd33’s “Showcase Season” piece, outlining the top candidates to showcase their value to not only the Celtics but potentially the entire league. Plus, a Celtics Reddit recap, including the underrated ...
Hayward Takes Exception to Boston (Ep. 107)
December 02, 2020 11:01 - 42 minutesThe Celtics net the largest Traded Player Exception of all time, and fans collectively groan at the bleak prognosis of Kemba Walker's knee. This week, we discuss how the Celtics can potentially utilize the TPE and the difficulties in incentivizing trade partners in opposing teams. Plus, lineup options in Kemba's absence, and a very warm welcome back to Evan Turner. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Farewell, Brad Wanamaker (Ep. 106)
November 24, 2020 12:00 - 1 hourGordon Hayward leaves us high and dry as we welcome some veteran free agents to the roster. This week we're joined by u/LarBrd33 to discuss the Celtics' offseason moves thus far, Hayward's departure and Celtic legacy, and the significance of Tatum's extension. Plus, new jersey's, classic Brad Wanamaker moments, and the state of the subreddit. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Draft Day (Ep. 105)
November 19, 2020 12:25 - 48 minutesDraft day has come and gone and the Celtics acquired three new players. Who are they, where did they come from, and what can we expect from them? Plus, to flee or not to flee? The Gordon Hayward Situation looms, and an ode to Tommy Heinsohn. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Celtics Fan Therapy (Ep. 104)
October 02, 2020 00:43 - 1 hourCommiserations of a finals run cut short and celebrations of one of the more enjoyable seasons in recent memory. This week we’re “talkin’ it out” with a quick recap of game 6 and the Celtics’ elimination from the ECF. Later, we go around the room and share what we’re thankful for from this season, regrets, and what we’re hopeful for next year. Finally, a HUGE reddit recap, reacting to the many takes posted to Celtics reddit in the first few hours of the offseason. Special thanks to Jake Isse...
Put Your Enes Away (Ep. 103)
September 23, 2020 02:23 - 43 minutesHow do the first three games of the ECF compare to your expectations going in? With Hayward’s return, what can we expect for the remainder of the series? Plus, zone busting strategies, Grant’s continued improvement, and a locker room meltdown yields an aggressive Jaylen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
An Extinction Event (Ep. 102)
September 15, 2020 12:18 - 46 minutesJake Issenberg from the Backdoor Cut Podcast joins us to wrap up the series victory against the Raptors, and recap some of the best moments from Game 7. Plus, did Kemba truly have a bad series? Was Smart’s game-saving block the best play of his career so far? Are the Raptors the best team the Celtics have eliminated since 2010? Finally, how do the Heat differ from the Raptors as an opponent? Key differences to look for, and predictions for the upcoming ECF matchup. Learn more about...
w/ guest Leigh Ellis (Ep. 101)
September 09, 2020 02:10 - 49 minutesLeigh Ellis from the NoDunks Podcast on the Athletic Network joins us to talk Celtics/Raptors, the coaching matchup between Brad Stevens and Nick Nurse, and the impact and development of Tatum, Brown and Pascal Siakam. Plus, Kemba’s impact on the Celtics vs the Celtics' impact on Kemba. We also discuss a potential series between the Celtics and the Heat (along with several anti-jinxing remarks), and we make a proposal to convert Leigh into a full-time, official Celtics fan. Learn mor...
Best of Three (Ep. 100)
September 07, 2020 12:10 - 48 minutesIs game 5 the most important game of the Tatum/Brown era so far? How likely are the Celtics to turn it around the close out the series? Plus, the Raptors’ defensive adjustments, the extra attention on Tatum, expectations for game 5, and some therapy for angsty Celtics fans. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
A Captain's Knock (Ep. 99)
August 25, 2020 12:30 - 45 minutesJoin us for one final victory lap after the Celtics close out a convincing sweep of the Sixers, and Tatum's measured approach in Game 4(2:25-17:30). Later, looking ahead to the Raptors matchup-- Who has the best player in the series? Does the 3-1 regular-season series and recent bubble blowout carry much weight here? Plus, Kemba's resurgence, the battle of the benches, and why the Sixers and Raptors are getting more mainstream media attention (17:30-44:52). Learn more about your ad choices. ...
Ctrl Alt Delete, Kill Process (Ep. 98)
August 22, 2020 13:27 - 41 minutesWhat have the Celtics done on the court to be so successful in this series? What have been the standout elements so far? Plus, revelling in the Sixers’ demise as a Celtics fan, looking ahead to the Raptors series, and addressing needs with the 14th pick in the upcoming draft. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Bubble Magic (Ep. 97)
August 10, 2020 13:16 - 38 minutesHow have the last few games recalibrated your expectations for the postseason? What new factors have emerged to give cause for optimism for a deep playoff run? Plus, a Utah Hayward sighting, the Philly situation, and takeaways from the Raptors and Magic games. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Suddenly... Defense! (Ep. 96)
August 06, 2020 23:51 - 33 minutesThis week we’re joined by Alexander Williams (u/DanTheMalformed) to discuss the key differences between the Heat and Nets games, the relieving appearance of some defensive intensity, and the exciting performances by Romeo Langford and the Timelord. Later, are our core four trending in the right direction? Plus a look ahead to Friday’s big game against the Raptors. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Good, the Bad and the 3rd Quarter (Ep. 95)
August 03, 2020 13:42 - 41 minutesThe starting five and stretch six are beginning to click once again, but how far can Brad Steven’s 9-man rotation take the Celtics? Plus, Tatum and Brown combine for 64 points to lead Celtics to a (mostly) glorious win against the Blazers, and the War on Theis rages on as opposing bigs continue to feast on the Celtics’ defense. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices