Thanks for listening to The Herd podcast. Be sure to catch us live every weekday on Fox Sports Radio in noon to three Eastern nine am to noon Pacific. Find your local station for The Herd at Fox Sports Radio dot com, or stream us live every day on the iHeartRadio app by searching Fox Sports Radio or FSR. You're listening to Fox Sports Radio. All right, here we go. It's a Monday. It's our number two live in Los Angeles. It's The Herd. Wherever you may be and however you may be listening. Thanks for making us part of your day. Jmac Bill Simmons in five minutes, Founder CEO of The Ringer Podcast.

Thanks for listening to The Herd podcast. Be sure to catch us live every weekday on Fox Sports Radio in noon to three Eastern nine am to noon Pacific. Find your local station for The Herd at Fox Sports Radio dot com, or stream us live every day on the iHeartRadio app by searching Fox Sports Radio or FSR. You're listening to Fox Sports Radio. All right, here we go. It's a Monday. It's our number two live in Los Angeles. It's The Herd. Wherever you may be and however you may be listening. Thanks for making us part of your day. Jmac Bill Simmons in five minutes, Founder CEO of The Ringer Podcast.

Legend.

Legend.

You've gone him a.

You've gone him a.

While, huh.

While, huh.

I haven't seen that guy, must have been like ten years. I went up to him at a Super Bowl party and he was like, stunt this one. I was with the Big Lead, you know, and he was like stunned and he's, oh, the big Lead and you started talking.

I haven't seen that guy, must have been like ten years. I went up to him at a Super Bowl party and he was like, stunt this one. I was with the Big Lead, you know, and he was like stunned and he's, oh, the big Lead and you started talking.

He's actually a pretty nice guy.

He's actually a pretty nice guy.

I saw him. I seen him rest stuff.

I saw him. I seen him rest stuff.

For us with so are you going to wrestling a lot these days?

For us with so are you going to wrestling a lot these days?

I've been to it.

I've been to it.

I went to a WrestleMania a so far and it was. My son had the best time. I've never seen my son laugh that much. He loved it. We sat right in front of Simmons and his son and I told my son, I said, it's like theater, It's like Broadway.

I went to a WrestleMania a so far and it was. My son had the best time. I've never seen my son laugh that much. He loved it. We sat right in front of Simmons and his son and I told my son, I said, it's like theater, It's like Broadway.

Lean into it. So my son is booing. You know, you're a jerk.

Lean into it. So my son is booing. You know, you're a jerk.

And then you know the wrestling, I've been to two of them. I've been to a Wrestlemanian. Then I've just been doing another event.

And then you know the wrestling, I've been to two of them. I've been to a Wrestlemanian. Then I've just been doing another event.

Fun. What can I say that.

Fun. What can I say that.

I know I used to call those fans booger readers, but you know some are.

I know I used to call those fans booger readers, but you know some are.

It's Monday. Colin right, Colin wrong?

It's Monday. Colin right, Colin wrong?

Here we go where Colin was right?

Here we go where Colin was right?

Well, well, well, j Mack only has ten teams left. I've got fifteen of sixteen teams left for the television audience. This is the staff can vouch for me. This is my bracket. Last week, Jaymack and I went toe to toe. We gave our brackets in and I'm only missing one team. Rick Patino did me wrong, but good so far. I'm probably gonna pay a dear price for not having Duke win it all. But I think I think you know, Duke will have their hands full. Leave it at that where Colin was right. I've said the Dodgers being villains great for baseball. I just saw the ratings for the games in Japan. Twenty five million viewers across all platforms, most watched baseball game ever in Japan. The second game almost got as many against the Cubs. Folks outside of the NFL, sports needs villains. It's good when the Celtics win. It's good when the Lakers. One of the Yankees and Dodgers merchandise is off the chain. By the way, those games with the viewers were starting at three am Pacific time and still did really good numbers.

Well, well, well, j Mack only has ten teams left. I've got fifteen of sixteen teams left for the television audience. This is the staff can vouch for me. This is my bracket. Last week, Jaymack and I went toe to toe. We gave our brackets in and I'm only missing one team. Rick Patino did me wrong, but good so far. I'm probably gonna pay a dear price for not having Duke win it all. But I think I think you know, Duke will have their hands full. Leave it at that where Colin was right. I've said the Dodgers being villains great for baseball. I just saw the ratings for the games in Japan. Twenty five million viewers across all platforms, most watched baseball game ever in Japan. The second game almost got as many against the Cubs. Folks outside of the NFL, sports needs villains. It's good when the Celtics win. It's good when the Lakers. One of the Yankees and Dodgers merchandise is off the chain. By the way, those games with the viewers were starting at three am Pacific time and still did really good numbers.

Where Colin was raw.

Where Colin was raw.

Well, I have a little feud with John Calipari, but he beat Bill self in round one and Rick Patino in round one, and he deserves credit because this team's had injuries all year. They were bad to start the season, only finished eight and ten in the SEC. But Calipari deserves credit. He is the only coach ever to take four different schools, only second coach ever four different schools of sweet sixty.

Well, I have a little feud with John Calipari, but he beat Bill self in round one and Rick Patino in round one, and he deserves credit because this team's had injuries all year. They were bad to start the season, only finished eight and ten in the SEC. But Calipari deserves credit. He is the only coach ever to take four different schools, only second coach ever four different schools of sweet sixty.

Where Colin was right.

Where Colin was right.

I said when the US men's soccer hired Mauricio Pochadino that if they ever lost, they'd blame the coach. Well, we just got shut out by Panama and lost to Canada in the Nation's League games. It's our worst finish in a long time. And I've said we overvalue our players. We think it doesn't matter who the coach is Jurgen Klinsman, Steve Bruce Arena, it doesn't matter. The coach always takes the heat. And my knock has been we have some good players, but last World Cup we're way too young, probably still too young to finish as a top four to eight team. But once again we get a new coach after driving one out and it's the same result. We don't have the intensity in big games like we should.

I said when the US men's soccer hired Mauricio Pochadino that if they ever lost, they'd blame the coach. Well, we just got shut out by Panama and lost to Canada in the Nation's League games. It's our worst finish in a long time. And I've said we overvalue our players. We think it doesn't matter who the coach is Jurgen Klinsman, Steve Bruce Arena, it doesn't matter. The coach always takes the heat. And my knock has been we have some good players, but last World Cup we're way too young, probably still too young to finish as a top four to eight team. But once again we get a new coach after driving one out and it's the same result. We don't have the intensity in big games like we should.

Where Colin was right.

Where Colin was right.

Rock Perdy reportedly wants Dak money.

Rock Perdy reportedly wants Dak money.

I laugh at all these people tell him he's gonna take a pay cut, team friendly deal. No, even though he was one and six against playoff teams last year with more interceptions than touchdowns and had his second troubling injury, he views himself as great. He's been gassed up because he's a seventh round pick. He's never made any money, so he is gonna go and play hardball.

I laugh at all these people tell him he's gonna take a pay cut, team friendly deal. No, even though he was one and six against playoff teams last year with more interceptions than touchdowns and had his second troubling injury, he views himself as great. He's been gassed up because he's a seventh round pick. He's never made any money, so he is gonna go and play hardball.

I've said it.

I've said it.

I think Aaron Rodgers privately is talking to the Niners.

I think Aaron Rodgers privately is talking to the Niners.

I could be wrong on this.

I could be wrong on this.

He maybe If I'm Aaron Rodgers, I don't sign. I sit on the sidelines and wait and watch what's happening.

He maybe If I'm Aaron Rodgers, I don't sign. I sit on the sidelines and wait and watch what's happening.

With the Niners.

With the Niners.

Where Colin was wrong.

Where Colin was wrong.

I had Saint John's and Rick in the final four. Listen.

I had Saint John's and Rick in the final four. Listen.

I knew they weren't a great shooting team, but a lot of college teams aren't great shooting teams. This is not the NBA. They were awful offensively, and here's Patino after the loss.

I knew they weren't a great shooting team, but a lot of college teams aren't great shooting teams. This is not the NBA. They were awful offensively, and here's Patino after the loss.

We thought we were championship driven in our minds, but I've been disappointed before with this. You hate to see us play like that. I don't mind going out with a loss. I just hate to see us play that way offensively, and you gotta live with it. You put a lot of time and effort the coaches did. It's just a bit a pill to swallow.

We thought we were championship driven in our minds, but I've been disappointed before with this. You hate to see us play like that. I don't mind going out with a loss. I just hate to see us play that way offensively, and you gotta live with it. You put a lot of time and effort the coaches did. It's just a bit a pill to swallow.

Where Colin was right.

Where Colin was right.

Ah, the SEC has seven teams in the Sweet sixteen. Florida, Auburn, and Tennessee all looked good enough to win all miss role. Number three seed Iowa State Bama is winning to I went almost all chalk with SEC teams. I had Arkansas losing to Saint John's, but in the end set it In January when I watched the SEC, I said it two different times on this show. Are you guys watching college basketball? Because it looks like SEC football about five years ago. They just look bigger, longer, faster and more skilled than every other conference. Where Colin was right, Nase Harris set it out loud. The Steelers don't have any identity on offense, he said, I go to the defensive guys and talk to them, but they wouldn't be too much. They couldn't tell me about the offensive line. This is what we've said. It is so crystal clear that is the NFL pivoted to offense. They led the NFL in defensive spending again, and they are an antiquated offensive culture. That's why I think Nause Harris is one of the great pickups of the offseason. Colin Wright, Colin Wrong, Phil Simmons, you know him, the Ringer CEO and found culture critic Bill Simmons podcast at Built. He's a very busy guy, so if I don't get him very often, but he's got a cool looking Usually I see you and Roussello doing your thing, so I have not I'm starting this week. The staff is all cut up. They're singing the praises of your math.

Ah, the SEC has seven teams in the Sweet sixteen. Florida, Auburn, and Tennessee all looked good enough to win all miss role. Number three seed Iowa State Bama is winning to I went almost all chalk with SEC teams. I had Arkansas losing to Saint John's, but in the end set it In January when I watched the SEC, I said it two different times on this show. Are you guys watching college basketball? Because it looks like SEC football about five years ago. They just look bigger, longer, faster and more skilled than every other conference. Where Colin was right, Nase Harris set it out loud. The Steelers don't have any identity on offense, he said, I go to the defensive guys and talk to them, but they wouldn't be too much. They couldn't tell me about the offensive line. This is what we've said. It is so crystal clear that is the NFL pivoted to offense. They led the NFL in defensive spending again, and they are an antiquated offensive culture. That's why I think Nause Harris is one of the great pickups of the offseason. Colin Wright, Colin Wrong, Phil Simmons, you know him, the Ringer CEO and found culture critic Bill Simmons podcast at Built. He's a very busy guy, so if I don't get him very often, but he's got a cool looking Usually I see you and Roussello doing your thing, so I have not I'm starting this week. The staff is all cut up. They're singing the praises of your math.

You're not gonna watch it?

You're not gonna watch it?

Come on, No, I am, I will, I will, I do, I travel a lot, I watch. I'll watch every episode. First one's Koozy, then Russell, then it's the Celtics I grew up with, which was six eight, Dave Collens at center and Halta That's what I grew up with. Then we're going to the one that's really fascinating birds. So I'm gonna ask you this question to start when you come up with an idea like this, the day the light goes on, the epiphany to the series starts. Because Hollywood, everything's molasses, everything slow motion, how long is the process from light bulb to show as airing?

Come on, No, I am, I will, I will, I do, I travel a lot, I watch. I'll watch every episode. First one's Koozy, then Russell, then it's the Celtics I grew up with, which was six eight, Dave Collens at center and Halta That's what I grew up with. Then we're going to the one that's really fascinating birds. So I'm gonna ask you this question to start when you come up with an idea like this, the day the light goes on, the epiphany to the series starts. Because Hollywood, everything's molasses, everything slow motion, how long is the process from light bulb to show as airing?

Well, first of all, it's an honor to follow a naj Harris segment.

Well, first of all, it's an honor to follow a naj Harris segment.

I was really hoping that would happen in mid March.

I was really hoping that would happen in mid March.

I know the world's talking about Naji right now, so it's great to be here. That it started probably twenty twenty, and it just takes so long to finish the and it takes so long to find a director and find the behind the scenes team. That this was probably a four year process. Plus we're making nine episodes, nine hours of content, and you know, looking back, it feels like a million years ago when we started, and it was really hard to do because you're telling you know, it's one of the most famous franchises in any sport. It intersects with the city of Boston in all these ways, and the NBA in America.

I know the world's talking about Naji right now, so it's great to be here. That it started probably twenty twenty, and it just takes so long to finish the and it takes so long to find a director and find the behind the scenes team. That this was probably a four year process. Plus we're making nine episodes, nine hours of content, and you know, looking back, it feels like a million years ago when we started, and it was really hard to do because you're telling you know, it's one of the most famous franchises in any sport. It intersects with the city of Boston in all these ways, and the NBA in America.

So it was a pretty ambitious thing. But I feel good about what we pulled off.

So it was a pretty ambitious thing. But I feel good about what we pulled off.

Well.

Well.

You've also, because of the tragedy to lend Bias, there was also another run that could have been and wasn't You guys could have had your next Ross. That's right, So you you could have had a pre Larry Bird Lary and you didn't. So that's something I've always thought about Boston is you know the Lakers, you know, with with with Kobe and Gasol, you could have had another one there. So this is a franchise that could have more. They've had some bad fate. When you, as a Celtic fan look at all the teams, is there one that to you is closest to your heart?

You've also, because of the tragedy to lend Bias, there was also another run that could have been and wasn't You guys could have had your next Ross. That's right, So you you could have had a pre Larry Bird Lary and you didn't. So that's something I've always thought about Boston is you know the Lakers, you know, with with with Kobe and Gasol, you could have had another one there. So this is a franchise that could have more. They've had some bad fate. When you, as a Celtic fan look at all the teams, is there one that to you is closest to your heart?

I mean the Celtics because we had season tickets.

I mean the Celtics because we had season tickets.

My dad got a ticket in the seventy three seventy four season used to carry me in and then we eventually got two in the late seventies, so I went to the most Celtic games, So I obviously that's that personally, just being there, being in the building for some of the best and the worst stuff, I think matters the most. I think what's interesting about the team as a whole is, you know, they mattered the most. They were the most successful franchise in the world for the first forty years really until Bias died, and then it just dipped and there was this slow process where you're hanging on to the old memories, you're hoping it's going to work out, and then eventually you just become another NBA team. The Garden goes down in ninety five. They just have this absolute drought where they're not relevant really for nine solid years until the two thousand the two team. So it's this once powerful institution that completely falls apart and then eventually resurrects, starting with the KG trades. So that part made it really compelling as a story too. It's it's nine episodes, but you know, once we get into the nineties and the two thousands, it gets pretty dark. A lot of stuff has happened to this team, so that made it great from a storytelling standpoint.

My dad got a ticket in the seventy three seventy four season used to carry me in and then we eventually got two in the late seventies, so I went to the most Celtic games, So I obviously that's that personally, just being there, being in the building for some of the best and the worst stuff, I think matters the most. I think what's interesting about the team as a whole is, you know, they mattered the most. They were the most successful franchise in the world for the first forty years really until Bias died, and then it just dipped and there was this slow process where you're hanging on to the old memories, you're hoping it's going to work out, and then eventually you just become another NBA team. The Garden goes down in ninety five. They just have this absolute drought where they're not relevant really for nine solid years until the two thousand the two team. So it's this once powerful institution that completely falls apart and then eventually resurrects, starting with the KG trades. So that part made it really compelling as a story too. It's it's nine episodes, but you know, once we get into the nineties and the two thousands, it gets pretty dark. A lot of stuff has happened to this team, so that made it great from a storytelling standpoint.

You know, it's a different world. It used to be that all the NBA guys were fighting for a smaller pie, and so Michael Jordan really did hate the Pistons and everybody. You know, there was real animosity. Now, Bird and Magic didn't like each other initially, but over the course of time they had some respect for each other.

You know, it's a different world. It used to be that all the NBA guys were fighting for a smaller pie, and so Michael Jordan really did hate the Pistons and everybody. You know, there was real animosity. Now, Bird and Magic didn't like each other initially, but over the course of time they had some respect for each other.

But it's interesting.

But it's interesting.

It's a more collaborative basketball world a you guys all play together. And I've said this about Jason Tatum. He is a product of what basketball is today. It's not high school rivalries and college rivalries. It's au basketball. You may not even go to college by the time you get into the NBA. All help each other with charities, your friends, and so we can criticize Tatum, but he is a product of this generational basketball player. Lebron doesn't have any enemies, He's never gotten into a fight.

It's a more collaborative basketball world a you guys all play together. And I've said this about Jason Tatum. He is a product of what basketball is today. It's not high school rivalries and college rivalries. It's au basketball. You may not even go to college by the time you get into the NBA. All help each other with charities, your friends, and so we can criticize Tatum, but he is a product of this generational basketball player. Lebron doesn't have any enemies, He's never gotten into a fight.

They all get paid.

They all get paid.

So I guess my point is you can't really criticize Tatum when he doesn't have quote the instinct that's what basketball players are today.

So I guess my point is you can't really criticize Tatum when he doesn't have quote the instinct that's what basketball players are today.

Is that fair?

Is that fair?

Well, I mean, it's funny if you watch the Celtics season this year, they've definitely butted heads with a few teams, including the Lakers. I think there's more crap talk during that last Laker Celtic game than probably the last five years of it.

Well, I mean, it's funny if you watch the Celtics season this year, they've definitely butted heads with a few teams, including the Lakers. I think there's more crap talk during that last Laker Celtic game than probably the last five years of it.

Listen, Colin. Celtics nation is very aware of your Tatum takes.

Listen, Colin. Celtics nation is very aware of your Tatum takes.

They've we've heard everybody gets super defensive about him because the guys having an incredible season.

They've we've heard everybody gets super defensive about him because the guys having an incredible season.

First of all, I won the title last year.

First of all, I won the title last year.

Yeah, this year, he's the third best guy in the league. He plays all five positions. Yesterday Portland he was playing points center with four shooters.

Yeah, this year, he's the third best guy in the league. He plays all five positions. Yesterday Portland he was playing points center with four shooters.

He can guard everybody. He's the best rebounder on the team.

He can guard everybody. He's the best rebounder on the team.

I think as a decision maker and just as an all round player. This is the best he's ever looked by far, and he's the biggest reason.

I think as a decision maker and just as an all round player. This is the best he's ever looked by far, and he's the biggest reason.

They have a chance to win the title again. I think last year you could definitely make the case it was.

They have a chance to win the title again. I think last year you could definitely make the case it was.

One A and one B with him and Jalen Brown, and they had a great, in a good way, a seesaw thing where they would lift each other up if one guy was down.

One A and one B with him and Jalen Brown, and they had a great, in a good way, a seesaw thing where they would lift each other up if one guy was down.

This year, it's been Tatum season.

This year, it's been Tatum season.

He's the best guy in the team, and other than SG and Jokic, she's been the most day to day impactful guy in the league.

He's the best guy in the team, and other than SG and Jokic, she's been the most day to day impactful guy in the league.

And he's really durable, which I think, you know, both of us have criticized NBA players for you.

And he's really durable, which I think, you know, both of us have criticized NBA players for you.

Play sixty five games and you call it a season and you take like little sabbaticals or you leave or your nurse injuries. Tatum's out there all the time, and I think what he has turned into over the last couple of years has exceeded any expectation I ever could have had. You're basically hoping he could be a poor man's to ran when they drafted him, and now you're talking about somebody that has a chance to be one of the four or five best Celtics ever.

Play sixty five games and you call it a season and you take like little sabbaticals or you leave or your nurse injuries. Tatum's out there all the time, and I think what he has turned into over the last couple of years has exceeded any expectation I ever could have had. You're basically hoping he could be a poor man's to ran when they drafted him, and now you're talking about somebody that has a chance to be one of the four or five best Celtics ever.

Yeah.

Yeah.

And I also think, unlike Duran, he's not a wanderer, like I could see him playing for this team forever and then I mean, he's just that's not his personal question. I've said this before. They look, all basketball players enter every night with an empty canvas. They're all artists. More than any other sport. Basketball players are artists. They spill paint, they have bad nights. Steph Curry has horrible shooting nights, the difference is Lebron is more Bono or jay Z where he's a businessman and Kad is more pearl Jam. I'm gonna sue Ticketmaster. Tatum's more Lebron. He's happy, he's content, he's community. It's about business and basketball. So I could see him staying forever. And I think that's good for the Celtics. That's just kind of more He's more Lebron than Durant personality wise.

And I also think, unlike Duran, he's not a wanderer, like I could see him playing for this team forever and then I mean, he's just that's not his personal question. I've said this before. They look, all basketball players enter every night with an empty canvas. They're all artists. More than any other sport. Basketball players are artists. They spill paint, they have bad nights. Steph Curry has horrible shooting nights, the difference is Lebron is more Bono or jay Z where he's a businessman and Kad is more pearl Jam. I'm gonna sue Ticketmaster. Tatum's more Lebron. He's happy, he's content, he's community. It's about business and basketball. So I could see him staying forever. And I think that's good for the Celtics. That's just kind of more He's more Lebron than Durant personality wise.

Yeah, I mean that's one of the things our documentary is about. For whatever is in this franchise, the history of the guys who played for and the things that have happened, and the banners and all the ups and downs and read our Back and people who are dead Russell read our Back, Tommy Heinsen. Everybody's basically gone except Coozy and sach standers. But I think the newer guys when they come in, they really feel that there's something different about the history, the way the generations interact. I think in Tatum's case, some of that circumstance, like he ended up on the best possible team for him with the city that absolutely loves him. I don't know if the Durant stuff is totally fair because to me, Durant is just a series.

Yeah, I mean that's one of the things our documentary is about. For whatever is in this franchise, the history of the guys who played for and the things that have happened, and the banners and all the ups and downs and read our Back and people who are dead Russell read our Back, Tommy Heinsen. Everybody's basically gone except Coozy and sach standers. But I think the newer guys when they come in, they really feel that there's something different about the history, the way the generations interact. I think in Tatum's case, some of that circumstance, like he ended up on the best possible team for him with the city that absolutely loves him. I don't know if the Durant stuff is totally fair because to me, Durant is just a series.

And I know I'm always a Durant.

And I know I'm always a Durant.

Defender, but I think it's I think it's a series of sliding doors with him. You could argue if they never leave Seattle and that team is still there with with Westbrook and maybe Harden and Abaca and an owner actually cared about the franchise and kept them in Seattle, which is, you know, one of the most I loaded from a money standpoint cities we have. Maybe he's still there, maybe he never leaves, maybe he becomes what Tatum's going to be in Boston.

Defender, but I think it's I think it's a series of sliding doors with him. You could argue if they never leave Seattle and that team is still there with with Westbrook and maybe Harden and Abaca and an owner actually cared about the franchise and kept them in Seattle, which is, you know, one of the most I loaded from a money standpoint cities we have. Maybe he's still there, maybe he never leaves, maybe he becomes what Tatum's going to be in Boston.

So I think you need luck with this stuff.

So I think you need luck with this stuff.

Lebron didn't have luck in Cleveland because they were always trying to catch up with him in the two thousands. They're always trying to make the team as good as possible, as fast as possible, and sign free agents and make these big trades and just constantly try to chase the title before they were really ready. And eventually he realized I can't win with this current setup and he jumps to Miami. Whether you agree with that or not, that was the thinking. I think with Tatum, he's in a great situation all the way through his twenties, and that's why you stay.

Lebron didn't have luck in Cleveland because they were always trying to catch up with him in the two thousands. They're always trying to make the team as good as possible, as fast as possible, and sign free agents and make these big trades and just constantly try to chase the title before they were really ready. And eventually he realized I can't win with this current setup and he jumps to Miami. Whether you agree with that or not, that was the thinking. I think with Tatum, he's in a great situation all the way through his twenties, and that's why you stay.

Yeah.

Yeah.

No, it's like quarterbacks. Mahomes would win, but he wouldn't win as much without read and vetching the one hundred percent. Yeah, I mean it's where you land, at least in the NFL. Feels like for quarterbacks about eighty percent of it. I want to ask you about this. So years ago I coined this. I was very proud of myself. I said, I like analytics. I'm not anti analytics, but I like MA analytics. Is that in the end, I need to stop in a bucket. I want a man. I want an alpha. I don't care about I think a lot of the analytics in the NBA are great for the regular season, but postseason basketball is circumstantial. It's possession basketball. Make a stop. Where are you on analytics?

No, it's like quarterbacks. Mahomes would win, but he wouldn't win as much without read and vetching the one hundred percent. Yeah, I mean it's where you land, at least in the NFL. Feels like for quarterbacks about eighty percent of it. I want to ask you about this. So years ago I coined this. I was very proud of myself. I said, I like analytics. I'm not anti analytics, but I like MA analytics. Is that in the end, I need to stop in a bucket. I want a man. I want an alpha. I don't care about I think a lot of the analytics in the NBA are great for the regular season, but postseason basketball is circumstantial. It's possession basketball. Make a stop. Where are you on analytics?

Again?

Again?

I'm forum, but playoff basketball it's an alpha sport. That's why I don't trust Okac for another year. It's why I didn't trust Cleveland last year, and I do more this year. The young guys are now more about men. Where are you on basketball analytics?

I'm forum, but playoff basketball it's an alpha sport. That's why I don't trust Okac for another year. It's why I didn't trust Cleveland last year, and I do more this year. The young guys are now more about men. Where are you on basketball analytics?

I just think everybody has them now.

I just think everybody has them now.

We hit a point with baseball when there was an edge like that's what Moneyball's about, right, and especially the Moneyball movie, which is Jona Hill's character is a fictional person of nine different things. And eventually everyone had the analytics, and then in baseball, then it moved to defense, and then it moved to like, you know, some of the health stuff, and it just kept trying to evolve. I think in basketball, they're all looking at the same stuff. It's better to shoot threes than twos. You want interchangeable athletes. I think teams like Oka See in Boston have really set the trend for if we just have long guys everywhere who can shoot and they're interchangeable, and that's what we're doing for four quarters.

We hit a point with baseball when there was an edge like that's what Moneyball's about, right, and especially the Moneyball movie, which is Jona Hill's character is a fictional person of nine different things. And eventually everyone had the analytics, and then in baseball, then it moved to defense, and then it moved to like, you know, some of the health stuff, and it just kept trying to evolve. I think in basketball, they're all looking at the same stuff. It's better to shoot threes than twos. You want interchangeable athletes. I think teams like Oka See in Boston have really set the trend for if we just have long guys everywhere who can shoot and they're interchangeable, and that's what we're doing for four quarters.

That's the biggest advantage you can have.

That's the biggest advantage you can have.

I went to Okay See Quippers last night, dare Miss and Jalen Williams and Chat Holmgren.

I went to Okay See Quippers last night, dare Miss and Jalen Williams and Chat Holmgren.

It didn't matter. They still won. Yeah, and they were and they had defense.

It didn't matter. They still won. Yeah, and they were and they had defense.

They could switch on every possession on offense, even though Sga he couldn't buy a basket the whole night, but they had just guys sending picks for him constantly. He's creating stuff for everybody and they have a real identity, and I.

They could switch on every possession on offense, even though Sga he couldn't buy a basket the whole night, but they had just guys sending picks for him constantly. He's creating stuff for everybody and they have a real identity, and I.

Think the Celtics do too, the Celtics. If you play minutes for the Celtics, you have to be able to shoot. That's it.

Think the Celtics do too, the Celtics. If you play minutes for the Celtics, you have to be able to shoot. That's it.

So I think from an analytics standpoint, the analytics are more about identity than player to player. It's like, what are you trying to be? I think the Lakers are struggling with that right now. I went to the Bulls game Saturday night.

So I think from an analytics standpoint, the analytics are more about identity than player to player. It's like, what are you trying to be? I think the Lakers are struggling with that right now. I went to the Bulls game Saturday night.

By the way, Colin, you live in LA.

By the way, Colin, you live in LA.

You realize you could come to some of these basketball games in season ticket hole.

You realize you could come to some of these basketball games in season ticket hole.

I see you in the arena studying the action.

I see you in the arena studying the action.

But but I went to that Bulls Laker game and the Bulls were just like, we're running this whole time. Yep, We're we're gonna run, run down your throats and you're gonna die by the third quarter, which the Lakers did.

But but I went to that Bulls Laker game and the Bulls were just like, we're running this whole time. Yep, We're we're gonna run, run down your throats and you're gonna die by the third quarter, which the Lakers did.

And you see that.

And you see that.

And that's a team that their identity because that Lucat trade. They're trying to patch it together in the fly. I want identities in the playoffs, and to me, that's more important than analytics. I think Cleveland is as close to having one as possible. But you saw last week Kawhi killed them. Kevin Durant killed them what's Tatum gonna do against them? When you see these big scoring forwards are able to get whatever they want against them.

And that's a team that their identity because that Lucat trade. They're trying to patch it together in the fly. I want identities in the playoffs, and to me, that's more important than analytics. I think Cleveland is as close to having one as possible. But you saw last week Kawhi killed them. Kevin Durant killed them what's Tatum gonna do against them? When you see these big scoring forwards are able to get whatever they want against them.

So yeah, so I do you buy that? Though I'm more of an identity guy than an analytics guy.

So yeah, so I do you buy that? Though I'm more of an identity guy than an analytics guy.

Yeah, I think. I think there are a lot of similarities in sports. What are you?

Yeah, I think. I think there are a lot of similarities in sports. What are you?

Pitchings all? I mean, baseball is all about pitching. I got better pitching, I win the series. I mean even shoe heel talk can have a badge. It's all it's about. It's about. But in basketball and football, what are you? Because I think in crisis, it's just like it's just like as a parent or as a business, Oh we've got crisis. Everybody in the building has to know what do we lean on? Where do we go when you're playing bad teams? When the Calves are playing the Celtics, I think the Celtics win because I think they have a greater sense of identity. Even though the Calves can be more efficient, I think there are times you can argue that they've had better games against Boston. I think Boston has a better sense of what they are in a tie game at ninety nine with two thirty left, and that's why they'll win.

Pitchings all? I mean, baseball is all about pitching. I got better pitching, I win the series. I mean even shoe heel talk can have a badge. It's all it's about. It's about. But in basketball and football, what are you? Because I think in crisis, it's just like it's just like as a parent or as a business, Oh we've got crisis. Everybody in the building has to know what do we lean on? Where do we go when you're playing bad teams? When the Calves are playing the Celtics, I think the Celtics win because I think they have a greater sense of identity. Even though the Calves can be more efficient, I think there are times you can argue that they've had better games against Boston. I think Boston has a better sense of what they are in a tie game at ninety nine with two thirty left, and that's why they'll win.

I got to ask you this, well, we'll wait.

I got to ask you this, well, we'll wait.

Our friend Riscilla and I always talk about this, the difference in regular season basketball and playoff basketball, because I think a regular season team can have a different kind of success than a playoffs trne if you go to the playoffs and you're only doing one thing, and that can work if you only see a team once, but when you see them for two weeks, I think this could be a real problem for the next The Knicks are so Jalen Brunson centric that we're going to get to the playoffs, and you just see that over and over again for two weeks, you can get used to it.

Our friend Riscilla and I always talk about this, the difference in regular season basketball and playoff basketball, because I think a regular season team can have a different kind of success than a playoffs trne if you go to the playoffs and you're only doing one thing, and that can work if you only see a team once, but when you see them for two weeks, I think this could be a real problem for the next The Knicks are so Jalen Brunson centric that we're going to get to the playoffs, and you just see that over and over again for two weeks, you can get used to it.

The Celtics with Luca in the finals last year, the same thing.

The Celtics with Luca in the finals last year, the same thing.

They just they got used to how Dallas is playing, and they you know, as the series went along it was great for them. So I think the ability to kind of change personas, which I think Okayse has, I think Boston has, I think Cleveland potentially has.

They just they got used to how Dallas is playing, and they you know, as the series went along it was great for them. So I think the ability to kind of change personas, which I think Okayse has, I think Boston has, I think Cleveland potentially has.

That's the number one thing you want in the.

That's the number one thing you want in the.

Playoffs as a Celtic guy.

Playoffs as a Celtic guy.

In the show, by the way, it's called Celtic City Episode for Great Hope airs Tonight, and that's the Arrival of Larry Bird, which is yes again again, that's.

In the show, by the way, it's called Celtic City Episode for Great Hope airs Tonight, and that's the Arrival of Larry Bird, which is yes again again, that's.

In my wheelhouse.

In my wheelhouse.

You know.

You know.

I remember I watched The Michigan State when it was Magic and Greg Kelser and it was the Sycamores from Indiana. So that's that's right in my wheelhouse. The guy that just turned sixty. So is there something about give me just a taste because we all know the Larry Bird story and and and is give me a little a side or a little a little thought on Larry Bird that don't give away too much. But but maybe you didn't even know and then you kind of found out.

I remember I watched The Michigan State when it was Magic and Greg Kelser and it was the Sycamores from Indiana. So that's that's right in my wheelhouse. The guy that just turned sixty. So is there something about give me just a taste because we all know the Larry Bird story and and and is give me a little a side or a little a little thought on Larry Bird that don't give away too much. But but maybe you didn't even know and then you kind of found out.

You know, you always see this stuff about when the guys were at their apexes, when they're at their best, especially in documentaries.

You know, you always see this stuff about when the guys were at their apexes, when they're at their best, especially in documentaries.

I've certainly been involved in.

I've certainly been involved in.

A few of them.

A few of them.

I think it's a really interesting piece of it is when the guy is banged up and passed their prime and holding on and the thing that still makes them great or made them great once upon a time, they can.

I think it's a really interesting piece of it is when the guy is banged up and passed their prime and holding on and the thing that still makes them great or made them great once upon a time, they can.

Still kind of go back and grab it every once in a while.

Still kind of go back and grab it every once in a while.

And that's like there's basically three straight Bird era episodes coming, and that last episode is about how do you stay great when your body's starting to break?

And that's like there's basically three straight Bird era episodes coming, and that last episode is about how do you stay great when your body's starting to break?

Down.

Down.

What does that mean? When do you know when it's time to walk away?

What does that mean? When do you know when it's time to walk away?

And I think that's the part that I think people don't remember now with Bird Magic all of a sudden was gone, right he had the HIV diagnosis and that was it.

And I think that's the part that I think people don't remember now with Bird Magic all of a sudden was gone, right he had the HIV diagnosis and that was it.

He retired. We never saw him hit that stage. Jordan left at.

He retired. We never saw him hit that stage. Jordan left at.

The absolute peak and then came back and went through it with the Wizards for those last two years. And if you're remember, those were really interesting Wizard seasons for him, right his knees were banged up, he was doing it on a lot of memory and was still awesome.

The absolute peak and then came back and went through it with the Wizards for those last two years. And if you're remember, those were really interesting Wizard seasons for him, right his knees were banged up, he was doing it on a lot of memory and was still awesome.

So I think with bird and.

So I think with bird and.

Sometimes it goes terrible, you know, like and especially you see it in football. You've seen with Aaron Rodgers right now the last couple of years right just awful.

Sometimes it goes terrible, you know, like and especially you see it in football. You've seen with Aaron Rodgers right now the last couple of years right just awful.

Like it couldn't the ending couldn't be worse.

Like it couldn't the ending couldn't be worse.

I think with the Bird one, he's got this thirty pounds back brace and he's still able to like kick butt against the best guys in the league during like one of the hardest eras we've ever.

I think with the Bird one, he's got this thirty pounds back brace and he's still able to like kick butt against the best guys in the league during like one of the hardest eras we've ever.

Had for basketball.

Had for basketball.

So I think that part, I think people are going to be surprised how much they forgot about that section.

So I think that part, I think people are going to be surprised how much they forgot about that section.

Okay, it's called Celtic City. It's supposed to be great. I will watch it. I watch everything, by the way I just saw.

Okay, it's called Celtic City. It's supposed to be great. I will watch it. I watch everything, by the way I just saw.

I don't believe you.

I don't believe you.

No, No, I absolutely watch it. I'll bet you anything all while. Well, I'm gonna start watching it tonight. I will watch it, all right. Okay, I would appreciate that.

No, No, I absolutely watch it. I'll bet you anything all while. Well, I'm gonna start watching it tonight. I will watch it, all right. Okay, I would appreciate that.

But we know you're not going to basketball games in LA, so you have more time.

But we know you're not going to basketball games in LA, so you have more time.

I'm a bull season ticket older. I've seen Tatum play live four times.

I'm a bull season ticket older. I've seen Tatum play live four times.

I am nice. The Bulls are looking good.

I am nice. The Bulls are looking good.

Well, if they get good, really good.

Well, if they get good, really good.

A decade of playing appearances for the Bulls, that's it. They're just they live in the playing, that's all. They want, no luxury tax playing, and they're happy.

A decade of playing appearances for the Bulls, that's it. They're just they live in the playing, that's all. They want, no luxury tax playing, and they're happy.

Okay, So I'm gonna one football take one. I think we both have Maggie Harris. No, no, that's I'm gonna save that the good stuff for later.

Okay, So I'm gonna one football take one. I think we both have Maggie Harris. No, no, that's I'm gonna save that the good stuff for later.

One Aaron Rodgers take.

One Aaron Rodgers take.

And I think you and I are kind of agree on this is that there's two ways you can be a quarterback to great quarterback. You can be Brady, which is great and low maintenance Mahomes, Josh Allen, Lamar Jackson, or you can be great and there is maintenance, Cam, big Ben, Aaron, that group.

And I think you and I are kind of agree on this is that there's two ways you can be a quarterback to great quarterback. You can be Brady, which is great and low maintenance Mahomes, Josh Allen, Lamar Jackson, or you can be great and there is maintenance, Cam, big Ben, Aaron, that group.

It never ends.

It never ends.

Well, what my take is, Aaron will probably go Steelers, But deep down he's he paused because he wanted to go to the Vikings, and I believe he wants brock Perty to demand sixteen million. I think he walks to go play for the Niners because he knows the Steelers don't know offense.

Well, what my take is, Aaron will probably go Steelers, But deep down he's he paused because he wanted to go to the Vikings, and I believe he wants brock Perty to demand sixteen million. I think he walks to go play for the Niners because he knows the Steelers don't know offense.

That's I'm not a conspiracy guy.

That's I'm not a conspiracy guy.

That's my conspiracy is deep down he wants to go to the Bay with Shanahan. What is your take on this circus that's become aeron over the last couple of years, his fall to the league's or what do you land on it?

That's my conspiracy is deep down he wants to go to the Bay with Shanahan. What is your take on this circus that's become aeron over the last couple of years, his fall to the league's or what do you land on it?

Well, he was washed up last year as a quarterback. I mean that's a crucial piece of this. He was terrible. He was good if he had protection. When he had protection, is one of the worst quarterbacks in the league. I think he likes when people are talking about him. I could see him sticking around and being kind of in the back pocket.

Well, he was washed up last year as a quarterback. I mean that's a crucial piece of this. He was terrible. He was good if he had protection. When he had protection, is one of the worst quarterbacks in the league. I think he likes when people are talking about him. I could see him sticking around and being kind of in the back pocket.

For if a situation goes wrong with a quarterback or if.

For if a situation goes wrong with a quarterback or if.

Somebody gets hurt, and maybe that he won't officially retire and he'll wait and he'll wait and he'll wait and see what happens. I honestly think Brady, even after Brady retired from the Bucks, I think there was a world for the next two years where he would have come back if something had happened to a QBM, one of the best teams. I think it's really hard for these guys to let go. But I mean, my big picture take on this, and it ties in with Lebron and Brady. I think those guys and how successful they they have been. Lebron is late thirties into his forties and then Brady all the way to forty five. I think it's just completely ruined how we should be seeing the end of people's careers. We're expecting these people when they're thirty seven, thirty eight, thirty nine to just still be good and guess what, it's not going to happen, Like Lebron and Brady are generational anomalies, and what's supposed to happen is you're supposed to hate your late thirties as a quarterback and you're supposed to be washed up, and that's just how it's supposed to go. And then basketball, same thing you're supposed to be Paul George.

Somebody gets hurt, and maybe that he won't officially retire and he'll wait and he'll wait and he'll wait and see what happens. I honestly think Brady, even after Brady retired from the Bucks, I think there was a world for the next two years where he would have come back if something had happened to a QBM, one of the best teams. I think it's really hard for these guys to let go. But I mean, my big picture take on this, and it ties in with Lebron and Brady. I think those guys and how successful they they have been. Lebron is late thirties into his forties and then Brady all the way to forty five. I think it's just completely ruined how we should be seeing the end of people's careers. We're expecting these people when they're thirty seven, thirty eight, thirty nine to just still be good and guess what, it's not going to happen, Like Lebron and Brady are generational anomalies, and what's supposed to happen is you're supposed to hate your late thirties as a quarterback and you're supposed to be washed up, and that's just how it's supposed to go. And then basketball, same thing you're supposed to be Paul George.

Thirty four to thirty five.

Thirty four to thirty five.

Guess what, Athletically, you're going to start slipping year after year after year, because that's how it goes. And Lebron and Brady because they are such maniacs and they spend three hundred and sixty five days a year getting their bodies ready, and every decision they make was about still continuing to dominate. I don't think it's replicable, and I think it's I think it's going to cause more bad decisions like the Cousins on Track, Rogers, you name it, some of the basketball stuff that's coming. I just think those guys screwed it up for everybody else. As weird as that sounds.

Guess what, Athletically, you're going to start slipping year after year after year, because that's how it goes. And Lebron and Brady because they are such maniacs and they spend three hundred and sixty five days a year getting their bodies ready, and every decision they make was about still continuing to dominate. I don't think it's replicable, and I think it's I think it's going to cause more bad decisions like the Cousins on Track, Rogers, you name it, some of the basketball stuff that's coming. I just think those guys screwed it up for everybody else. As weird as that sounds.

One more take four years in a role, I have picked a bad team to be good the next year Washington, last year in Denver, Rams, the previous year Minnesota.

One more take four years in a role, I have picked a bad team to be good the next year Washington, last year in Denver, Rams, the previous year Minnesota.

My pick is New England. I said, between the.

My pick is New England. I said, between the.

Money, the drawd and Mayot of rabel Is, you're talking about different level of coaching.

Money, the drawd and Mayot of rabel Is, you're talking about different level of coaching.

I think Drake may is Herbert. I think they look alike.

I think Drake may is Herbert. I think they look alike.

I think they they they're their size, they move, give me a real okay, forget we know you think they'll be better.

I think they they they're their size, they move, give me a real okay, forget we know you think they'll be better.

But I got that.

But I got that.

No, I'm always realistic with my teams.

No, I'm always realistic with my teams.

Okay, so I think there were a nine one and I.

Okay, so I think there were a nine one and I.

Know you've You and I have both done a good job over the years of identifying possible people like I went twenty seven and five in my over unders before the season last year, like I'll never top that again. So I must feel like I'm gonna do badly this year because they did too well last year. But my picks were actually good, whereas I saw your blazing five record, it was pretty bad.

Know you've You and I have both done a good job over the years of identifying possible people like I went twenty seven and five in my over unders before the season last year, like I'll never top that again. So I must feel like I'm gonna do badly this year because they did too well last year. But my picks were actually good, whereas I saw your blazing five record, it was pretty bad.

My condolences, I'm sorry.

My condolences, I'm sorry.

I just think you know, obviously your priorities were out of whack and you just didn't care. We all look forward to you carring more this year and trying to re establish your dominance. But listen, the Patriots recipe is exactly the same as Washington.

I just think you know, obviously your priorities were out of whack and you just didn't care. We all look forward to you carring more this year and trying to re establish your dominance. But listen, the Patriots recipe is exactly the same as Washington.

Last year. The Washington thing did not make sense.

Last year. The Washington thing did not make sense.

They were in Philly's division, they were in a really loaded NFC, They had all this turnover. Oh how are they going to do this? But then you look at it, it's like terrible coaching staff. All of a sudden, they had a good coaching staff. They all of a sudden had a good quarterback The year before they did it. They spent a bunch of money on free agents, they did well in the draft, and they played an easy schedule. So we know what the recipe is. We look at it every year. I think the Pats if they can nail the draft and they can figure out left tackle and at least one.

They were in Philly's division, they were in a really loaded NFC, They had all this turnover. Oh how are they going to do this? But then you look at it, it's like terrible coaching staff. All of a sudden, they had a good coaching staff. They all of a sudden had a good quarterback The year before they did it. They spent a bunch of money on free agents, they did well in the draft, and they played an easy schedule. So we know what the recipe is. We look at it every year. I think the Pats if they can nail the draft and they can figure out left tackle and at least one.

Playmaker, I think when you consider how awful the.

Playmaker, I think when you consider how awful the.

Coaching staff was last year, I was one of the worst coach teams I've ever had in any Boston sport.

Coaching staff was last year, I was one of the worst coach teams I've ever had in any Boston sport.

You couldn't even believe it week to week how bad it was. So you have Drake, they get a.

You couldn't even believe it week to week how bad it was. So you have Drake, they get a.

Couple of blue Chippers, easy schedule, they add around, and then you throw in Mike Fable, who I think everybody thinks is a top six or seven coach.

Couple of blue Chippers, easy schedule, they add around, and then you throw in Mike Fable, who I think everybody thinks is a top six or seven coach.

It's reasonable to go from four wins to ten. Like we see it every year. Where I was like, oh, who saw this coming? We always see it coming.

It's reasonable to go from four wins to ten. Like we see it every year. Where I was like, oh, who saw this coming? We always see it coming.

This happens every year, and it's always about a schedule and a coach and a QB.

This happens every year, and it's always about a schedule and a coach and a QB.

All right, Well, you know he doesn't return my text, so I get him about once every seven years.

All right, Well, you know he doesn't return my text, so I get him about once every seven years.

Very busy, that's ballooney, You're very busy. Don't get a lot of time that's ballooney.

Very busy, that's ballooney, You're very busy. Don't get a lot of time that's ballooney.

I'm always I'm always down for a hang.

I'm always I'm always down for a hang.

You could invite me to any like like. I haven't been into it yet, but I'm always available if you want to invite me to see.

You could invite me to any like like. I haven't been into it yet, but I'm always available if you want to invite me to see.

This is what I'm talking about into.

This is what I'm talking about into.

It's the best basketball arena ever built, and it's relatively close to where you live.

It's the best basketball arena ever built, and it's relatively close to where you live.

And you're like, yeah, I don't know. Maybe I'll go one of these times and see what see. I could go to any game I want to. I'll pass.

And you're like, yeah, I don't know. Maybe I'll go one of these times and see what see. I could go to any game I want to. I'll pass.

You couldn't you acknowledge I at least moved into WWE respecting it now? That was a big bone of contention between us. It's no longer.

You couldn't you acknowledge I at least moved into WWE respecting it now? That was a big bone of contention between us. It's no longer.

I've been to two.

I've been to two.

Has the community accepted you though, No. You said some.

Has the community accepted you though, No. You said some.

Mean things way back when there was a bigger readers.

Mean things way back when there was a bigger readers.

You had that going.

You had that going.

You look down on people, You made people feel dumb about it.

You look down on people, You made people feel dumb about it.

Now you're back.

Now you're back.

I don't know if I'm back.

I don't know if I'm back.

I'm just you know, I'm I'm more willing to accept that it is just what it is.

I'm just you know, I'm I'm more willing to accept that it is just what it is.

It's theater. It's fun. Just lean into it and have fun. I was you know, it wasn't.

It's theater. It's fun. Just lean into it and have fun. I was you know, it wasn't.

Well, I'm trying to tell you forever, look at this two guys who used to work for the Worldwide Leaders still doing well.

Well, I'm trying to tell you forever, look at this two guys who used to work for the Worldwide Leaders still doing well.

Funny how that happens. Huh. Everyone says, oh, he can't leave there. Oh no, can't leave the Worldwide Leader. Hod Leves can fall part. Guess what we're fine.

Funny how that happens. Huh. Everyone says, oh, he can't leave there. Oh no, can't leave the Worldwide Leader. Hod Leves can fall part. Guess what we're fine.

We've done. Okay, we've done. Okay, okay.

We've done. Okay, we've done. Okay, okay.

It's called Celtic City Episode four tonight, great hope period. This is the Larry Bird stuff. So for if you're in your twenty the thirties, you'll remember this stuff. This will be the episode. Is this the one you're proudest of?

It's called Celtic City Episode four tonight, great hope period. This is the Larry Bird stuff. So for if you're in your twenty the thirties, you'll remember this stuff. This will be the episode. Is this the one you're proudest of?

Is this?

Is this?

I mean, they're all good, obviously, the staff's obviously great. I went and looked up the people working on Is this one of these you're really the hit episode?

I mean, they're all good, obviously, the staff's obviously great. I went and looked up the people working on Is this one of these you're really the hit episode?

I honestly, I'm proud of all of them.

I honestly, I'm proud of all of them.

I think this is This gets fun because this is the first stretch of episodes where everybody we're interviewing is actually still alive, so, you know, because we're going way way back to the fifties, sixties and seventies, and sadly a lot of those people are now gone. So this was it was nice to get, you know, some some people who are still around talking about things that they can actually remember, so yeah, it's I'm really proud of it. And the thing about tonight is Boston versus Philly was the best Boston rivalry of my childhood, and beating the Sixers mattered as much as anything except the Yankees and Canadians. I would say, yeah, I remember, so you know, it's I had never really seen that captured in the right way, so we tried to do it in this episode.

I think this is This gets fun because this is the first stretch of episodes where everybody we're interviewing is actually still alive, so, you know, because we're going way way back to the fifties, sixties and seventies, and sadly a lot of those people are now gone. So this was it was nice to get, you know, some some people who are still around talking about things that they can actually remember, so yeah, it's I'm really proud of it. And the thing about tonight is Boston versus Philly was the best Boston rivalry of my childhood, and beating the Sixers mattered as much as anything except the Yankees and Canadians. I would say, yeah, I remember, so you know, it's I had never really seen that captured in the right way, so we tried to do it in this episode.

Yeah, great Sixer teams with Steve Mix and Caldwell Jones and Andrew Tony and Mo Cheeks and doctor j George McGuinness.

Yeah, great Sixer teams with Steve Mix and Caldwell Jones and Andrew Tony and Mo Cheeks and doctor j George McGuinness.

People.

People.

I always say this, there may not have been a dynasty in the seventies and early eighties until the Celtics Lakers arrived. Seventies NBA basketball was fantastic.

I always say this, there may not have been a dynasty in the seventies and early eighties until the Celtics Lakers arrived. Seventies NBA basketball was fantastic.

It was great.

It was great.

That was great, very super weird with two pre bird Bird.

That was great, very super weird with two pre bird Bird.

Rick Berry was pre bird Bird, grumpy, great shooter forward who didn't get along with some people. But it was a different time. But he was pre bird bird, sixth eight guy that could shoot right.

Rick Berry was pre bird Bird, grumpy, great shooter forward who didn't get along with some people. But it was a different time. But he was pre bird bird, sixth eight guy that could shoot right.

And there was a lot of mystique for people like us back then because none of the games were ever on.

And there was a lot of mystique for people like us back then because none of the games were ever on.

That's right, that's right.

That's right, that's right.

So you followed the league through the basketball handbooks and basketball cards and Sports Illustrated and newspapers, and every once in a while there would be a game on. But like during the games in Boston the seventies, David Thompson, and they maybe came once twice a year, you know, George Gervin, these guys, if you didn't go the one time they were in town, you never saw them again. And now everything's so available. Now you can follow the NBA and you don't even need to go to games or watch games.

So you followed the league through the basketball handbooks and basketball cards and Sports Illustrated and newspapers, and every once in a while there would be a game on. But like during the games in Boston the seventies, David Thompson, and they maybe came once twice a year, you know, George Gervin, these guys, if you didn't go the one time they were in town, you never saw them again. And now everything's so available. Now you can follow the NBA and you don't even need to go to games or watch games.

You could follow it on social media and you know, on Twitter.

You could follow it on social media and you know, on Twitter.

So I'm a nostalgic for that era too, because it really you really had to care and you really had to follow what was going on.

So I'm a nostalgic for that era too, because it really you really had to care and you really had to follow what was going on.

I was the only kid in the neighborhood that collected NBA cards and not baseball cards. So you know, I can I go back to Elmore Smith Laker Center number three, I go way back. Bill Simmons, CEO, the Ringer and the Founder as well. Celtic City episode four tonight, Great Hope periods the Larry Bird issue. It airs tonight on Max. New episode focuses on the arrival of Larry Bird. That as much watch as always you know, I appreciate when you stop by your busy guy, I appreciate it.

I was the only kid in the neighborhood that collected NBA cards and not baseball cards. So you know, I can I go back to Elmore Smith Laker Center number three, I go way back. Bill Simmons, CEO, the Ringer and the Founder as well. Celtic City episode four tonight, Great Hope periods the Larry Bird issue. It airs tonight on Max. New episode focuses on the arrival of Larry Bird. That as much watch as always you know, I appreciate when you stop by your busy guy, I appreciate it.

I appreciate it too, And I don't come in because you do the desk that's higher than the guest chair, and I don't appreciate the power play by you, so I'd rather do it on simm But great to see you.

I appreciate it too, And I don't come in because you do the desk that's higher than the guest chair, and I don't appreciate the power play by you, so I'd rather do it on simm But great to see you.

Totally get it. Bill Simmons.

Totally get it. Bill Simmons.

How's a long interview for us? We don't do that very often, but there's a lot of stuff to cover. He's obviously an interesting cat and I appreciate that. Yeah, yeah, I think about that. They had that absolutely awful Lend Bias tragedy that could have been another You know, he was out of Maryland. If you didn't see Len Bias playing college number thirty four, there was just nothing like it. He has a little Dominique Wilkins, little David Thompson, just wildly. If I could compare him to a football player, be Adrian Peterson, like just bigger, stronger than other players of his generation. Just didn't look the same or play the same. The tragedy in his early death or they could have had another long run. We all need routines that bring us calm in a chaotic world from millions of Americans arming their simply Safe home security systems.

How's a long interview for us? We don't do that very often, but there's a lot of stuff to cover. He's obviously an interesting cat and I appreciate that. Yeah, yeah, I think about that. They had that absolutely awful Lend Bias tragedy that could have been another You know, he was out of Maryland. If you didn't see Len Bias playing college number thirty four, there was just nothing like it. He has a little Dominique Wilkins, little David Thompson, just wildly. If I could compare him to a football player, be Adrian Peterson, like just bigger, stronger than other players of his generation. Just didn't look the same or play the same. The tragedy in his early death or they could have had another long run. We all need routines that bring us calm in a chaotic world from millions of Americans arming their simply Safe home security systems.

The moment of peace.

The moment of peace.

Go to Simplysafcolin dot Com fifty percent off a new system with a professional monitoring plan. There is no safe like simply Safe. Thanks to Bill Simmons Bruce furl Earlier, we take a break Updates next with j mack Live.

Go to Simplysafcolin dot Com fifty percent off a new system with a professional monitoring plan. There is no safe like simply Safe. Thanks to Bill Simmons Bruce furl Earlier, we take a break Updates next with j mack Live.

One more heard. The Herd streams twenty four hours a day, seven days a week within the iHeartRadio app. Search Herd to listen live or on demand whenever you like.

One more heard. The Herd streams twenty four hours a day, seven days a week within the iHeartRadio app. Search Herd to listen live or on demand whenever you like.

By the way, if you've not seen this, the Giants signed Jameis Winston to a two year deal and the Steelers are waiting on Aaron Rodgers. But it is amazing that we were talking about this. The reason the Celtics are so good is because they've had like basketball savants between Danny Age and Brad Stevens. Running the franchise where Dave Gettleman into Joe Shane has been just a mess for the Giants. Just think of the Comedy of Airs. Basically, the New York Giants now are crossing their fingers that the Cleveland Browns don't take a quarterback. They've been reduced to praying the Cleveland Browns pass on shaudor Sanders between the Joe Judge higher ten wins in two years disaster. He's now like working for Old Miss as a senior analysts, apparently like mostly out of coaching the Daniel Jones reach for the number six pick. Daniel Jones had a losing record at Duke as a college quarterback. To the Daniel Jones extension, to letting Saquon Barkley walk, to letting HBO sit in on their meetings with John Mara and Joe Shane, it's just been.