Bob Ryan & Jeff Goodman NBA Podcast

Gary Tanguay joins Bob Ryan and Jeff Goodman for a wide-ranging NBA conversation led by one of the league’s brightest young stars: Cooper Flagg. The guys debate where Flagg already ranks among the NBA’s best players, how high his ceiling can go, and whether he could eventually become a top-five player and true championship centerpiece in Dallas. They also discuss Kyrie Irving’s importance to the Mavericks and what Flagg still needs around him to contend. From there, Bob, Jeff, and Gary turn to the Lakers, Phil Jackson’s upcoming statue, and the franchise’s uncertain direction. Plus, they react to comparisons involving Stephon Castle and Dylan Harper, revisit how Larry Bird’s three-point shooting would translate to today’s NBA, and discuss Steph Curry’s impact on the modern game. Finally, they look ahead to Jalen Brunson hosting Saturday Night Live and debate which NBA personalities would have been best suited for the SNL stage. 0:00 Intro 0:59 Cooper Flagg’s Ceiling & NBA Ranking 12:36 PrizePicks 13:47 Cooper Flagg, Dallas & Kyrie Irving 16:29 Lakers, Phil Jackson & Franchise Direction 23:17 Stephon Castle & Dylan Harper Hype 26:19 Larry Bird, Steph Curry & Three-Point Shooting 33:22 Jalen Brunson on SNL & NBA Personalities 37:14 Outro Celtics on CLNS Media is Powered by: 💰 PrizePicks - Sign up at http://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/CLNS & Download the app today and use code CLNS to get $150 instantly in Lineups if you win your first $5 Lineup! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode, Bob Ryan and Gary Tanguay take a look at two Celtic greats: Larry Bird and John 'Hondo' Havlicek. Bob explains why Havlicek doesn't get the respect he deserves anymore and why he was truly one of a kind. He then compares Hondo to Bird: where they were similar on and off the court, whether they could have played together and his experience covering both players. The Bob Ryan & Jeff Goodman NBA Podcast on CLNS Media is Powered by:  💰 PrizePicks - Sign up at http://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/CLNS & Download the app today and use code CLNS to get $150 instantly in lineups when you win your first $5 lineup! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of the Bob Ryan and Jeff Goodman Podcast, Gary Tanguay, Bob Ryan, and Jeff Goodman break down the biggest NBA stories of the week, beginning with the Clippers’ salary-cap scandal involving Kawhi Leonard and the massive penalties facing the franchise. The guys debate how much responsibility Kawhi should carry, what the situation means for his legacy, and whether the punishment will deter other teams from trying to circumvent league rules. They also turn to the Celtics and discuss Jayson Tatum’s leadership, the pressure he’ll face as Boston’s unquestioned centerpiece, and how different leadership styles can still work. Plus, Bob and Jeff weigh in on Ben Simmons’ latest opportunity with Sacramento, Amen Thompson’s huge extension and growing reputation in Houston, Brett Brown’s difficult tenure in Philadelphia, and Neemias Queta’s strong summer play for Portugal as he looks to earn a larger role with the Celtics. 0:00 Intro 1:00 Kawhi Leonard & Clippers Salary-Cap Scandal 12:17 PrizePicks 13:23 Jayson Tatum, Leadership & Celtics Expectations 21:38 Ben Simmons’ Latest Opportunity 25:03 Amen Thompson, Rockets & NBA Notes 29:44 Neemias Queta’s Strong Summer 31:04 Final Thoughts & Outro Celtics on CLNS Media is Powered by: 💰 PrizePicks - Sign up at http://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/CLNS & Download the app today and use code CLNS to get $150 instantly in Lineups if you win your first $5 Lineup! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Bob Ryan, Jeff Goodman, and Gary Tanguay break down some of the biggest questions around the NBA heading into the season, beginning with the Celtics and the pressure facing Jayson Tatum. The guys debate what should be considered a successful season for Boston, whether Tatum needs to take another step as a leader, and how the Celtics’ new-look roster fits together. They also discuss several intriguing moves around the league, including Minnesota’s addition of Jonathan Kuminga and Miami adding Klay Thompson. Plus, the crew examines Tyrese Haliburton and the Pacers’ chances of bouncing back, before revisiting Kyrie Irving’s complicated reputation and what his presence could mean for Cooper Flagg and Dallas. 0:00 Intro 1:10 Celtics Expectations & Pressure on Jayson Tatum 3:58 Does Tatum Need a Career Year? 5:17 Tatum’s Leadership & Mike Conley’s Role 7:28 Can the Celtics Be a Top-3 Team in the East? 8:09 Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown & Celtics Toughness 10:03 Will Tatum Take the Blame if Boston Struggles? 11:47 PrizePicks 12:56 Concerns About Jayson Tatum’s Father 15:25 Minnesota Timberwolves & Anthony Edwards 16:08 Jonathan Kuminga’s Fit in Minnesota 18:18 Why Jeff Doesn’t Trust the Timberwolves 18:57 What Does Klay Thompson Have Left? 20:29 Miami’s Flawed Roster Around Giannis & Bam 22:02 What Moves Should Miami Make Next? 23:56 Tyrese Haliburton & the Pacers 25:05 Does Kyrie Irving Have Anything Left? 26:03 Kyrie’s Reputation & Relationship With Teammates 27:10 Kyrie, Cooper Flagg & Dallas 28:26 Final Thoughts Celtics on CLNS Media is Powered by: 💰 PrizePicks - Sign up at http://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/CLNS & Download the app today and use code CLNS to get $150 instantly in Lineups if you win your first $5 Lineup! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of the Bob Ryan, Jeff Goodman and Gary Tanguay podcast the guys reflect on the recent news around the NBA and take a look at the latest around the league reacting to Doc Rivers being inducted into the basketball Hall of Fame. The guys look back on his time with the Celtics as well as his legacy in the sport of basketball not just as a coach but as a player as well.  0:00 - Coming up! 0:24 - Welcome in! 2:09 - Which 76ers player can not get hurt next season? 5:08 - Doc Rivers inducted into Basketball Hall of Fame last weekend 11:55 - Prizepicks 14:12 - Dennis Schroder traded to Hornets 17:01 - Los Angeles Lakers Sold for $12.5 Billion 23:59 - Mark Few inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame last weekend 28:00 - Wrapping up! Bob Ryan & Jeff Goodman NBA Podcast on CLNS Media is Powered by: 💰 PrizePicks - Sign up at http://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/CLNS & Download the app today and use code CLNS to get $150 in lineups instantly if you win your first $5 lineup! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode, Bob Ryan and Jeff Goodman react the NBA Scheduling being released and react to Jaylen Brown’s return date to Boston and the TD Garden not being until January 21st, 2027. Jeff mentions how he was very surprised it wasn’t earlier in season & Bob agrees he was surprised at how late into the season his return will be.The conversation pivots to are the Celtics still a legit title contender in the East which both think right now they are in the second tier and right now are not true title contenders. They then discuss the expectations for the 76ers this season and discuss with all the talent they currently have assembled will it work? Finally they wrap up by discussing Russell Westbrook retiring from the NBA after 18 seasons. 0:00 - Coming up on podcast! 0:10 - Welcome in! 1:01 - Jaylen Brown returns to TD Garden on January 21st, 2027 9:04 - Are the Boston Celtics a contender to win this season? 11:57 - Prizepicks 13:58 - Expectations for the Philadelphia 76ers this season 17:50 - Russell Westbrook Retires 25:02 - Wrapping up! Bob Ryan & Jeff Goodman NBA Podcast on CLNS Media is Powered by: 💰 PrizePicks - Sign up at http://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/CLNS & Download the app today and use code CLNS to get $150 in lineups instantly if you win your first $5 lineup! Bob Ryan & Jeff Goodman NBA Podcast on CLNS Media is Power by Jack Archer: Visit https://www.jackarcher.com/attack for 15% off Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this special crossover episode of the Cedric Maxwell Podcast and Jeff Goodman & Bob Ryan NBA Podcast. CLNS Media’s Nick Gelso is joined by Cedric Maxwell and Gary Tanguay as the guys take a stroll down memory lane with Max looking back on his return to The Garden, and plenty more. They also discuss LeBron James joining the Philadelphia 76ers and Max explains why he thinks he might the Greatest Basketball player of all time! All that and plenty more on this special crossover episode! 0:00 - Welcome in! 1:34 - Is LeBron James the greatest basketball player of all time? 4:31 - Reaction to LeBron James signing with the 76ers 8:26 - Could their be potential chemistry issues with 76ers? 13:47 - If 76ers win a title should LeBron James retire after the season? 17:31 - Knicks winning NBA Championship was good for the league 19:01 - Prizepicks 20:56 - Is Jalen Brunson greatest free agent addition of all-time? 22:24 - How roster building has changed in the NBA 29:26 - Max Returns to TD Garden on closing night 31:05 - Cedric Maxwell being one of the most beloved Boston athletes of All-time 35:29 - Cedric reacts to Larry Bird’s comments 41:30 - Looking back on Celtics players protecting their teammates 43:22 - Did Dave Cowens really go see Larry Bird play in college? 44:57 - Cedric shares some insight on Dave Cowens 48:54 - Wrapping up! Bob Ryan & Jeff Goodman NBA Podcast on CLNS Media is Powered by: 💰 Prize Picks - Sign up at http://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/CLNS & Download the app today and use code CLNS to get $150 instantly in lineups when you win your first $5 lineup! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Was Dave Cowens telling the truth about never seeing Larry Bird play? Bob Ryan settles it — and the answer goes back further than you’d think. Cowens never watched Wilt Chamberlain, Wes Unseld, or Willis Reed on tape before playing them either. This wasn’t about Bird. This was just who Dave Cowens was. Plus: what would the Celtics have looked like with Cowens, Bird, AND Havlicek together? 🍀 Watch the original clip that started the debate: https://youtu.be/F0gk_COfa1Y — Chapters: 0:00 - Intro: Dave Cowens and Larry Bird 0:48 - 1979 Interview with Dave Cowens 1:26 - Cowens' Unique Basketball Philosophy 5:15 - Cowens' Off-Court Adventures and Folklore 7:53 - What If Havlicek Played With Bird? 9:43 - Do Great Players Exceed Expectations? — 💰 PrizePicks - Sign up at http://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/CLNS & Download the app today and use code CLNS to get $150 instantly in Lineups if you win your first $5 Lineup! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode, Bob Ryan and Jeff Goodman react to LeBron James’ decision to go to the Philadelphia 76ers and how that move shakes up the Eastern Conference. Are the Sixers the new favorites in the East? Where does this leave Jaylen Brown? The guys also discuss what to expect from the Celtics this upcoming season and a potential free agent target for Boston. 00:00 Intro 01:04 LeBron’s decision 06:39 What to expect from the Celtics 09:32 LeBron comparisions from other sports 15:31 PrizePicks 17:12 Favorites to win the East + Mike Gansey’s story 19:30 Where does this leave Jaylen Brown? 20:38 Biggest losers from LeBron signing with Philly 21:35 What’s next for Steph Curry? 24:59 Weak free agent class + Beal to Boston? 26:36 Thanks for watching! The Bob Ryan & Jeff Goodman NBA Podcast on CLNS is Powered by:  💰 PrizePicks - Sign up at http://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/CLNS & Download the app today and use code CLNS to get $150 instantly in lineups when you win your first $5 lineup! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode, Bob Ryan, Jeff Goodman, and Gary Tanguay react to the LeBron James situation as the league awaits his decision, preview Jaylen Brown’s return to TD Garden in October, and discuss the impact of the 2nd apron on the league. 00:00 Intro 00:49 Where will LeBron James end up? 10:16 PrizePicks 12:00 Jaylen Brown set to return to TD Garden in preseason 18:36 2nd apron discussion + dynasties vs parody in the NBA 28:07 Thanks for watching! The Bob Ryan & Jeff Goodman NBA Podcast on CLNS is Powered by:  💰 PrizePicks - Sign up at http://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/CLNS & Download the app today and use code CLNS to get $50 in lineups after you play your first $5 lineup!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jeff Goodman, Bob Ryan and Gary Tanguay final put in end to the Jaylen Brown trade and look at how Brown wit fit in Philadelphia with the 76ers and alongside the former league MVP Joel Embiid. They also look at the latest around the NBA where will LeBron play next year? Victor Wembanyama signs a cheaper extension to stay with Spurs and react to the Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro incident in Las Vegas. 0:00 - Welcome in 0:54 - How will Jaylen Brown fit in with Philadelphia 76ers? 8:48 - Where will LeBron James play next season? 14:03 - Prizepicks 15:43 - Victor Wembanyama signs extension with Spurs 20:10 - Former Heat teammates Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro get into fight in Las Vegas 23:06 - Will LeBron James announce this will be his last season? 26:27 - Wrapping up! Bob Ryan and Jeff Goodman NBA Podcast on CLNS Media is Powered by: 💰 Prize Picks - Sign up at http://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/CLNS & Download the app today and use code CLNS to get $50 instantly in lineups when you play your first $5 lineup! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jeff Goodman and Gary Tanguay break down the fallout from the Jaylen Brown trade — was it about money, fit, or ownership philosophy? Bob Ryan calls in from Maine to weigh in on the private equity concerns surrounding Bill Chisholm and whether the Celtics are headed toward a Red Sox-style "good enough to sell tickets" model. They also dig into Paul George's role with the new-look Celtics, what Mazzulla has to work with, and where LeBron might land next. 0:00 - Intro 1:03 - Breaking Down the Jaylen Brown Trade Decision 3:26 - Was Paul George the Right Move? 5:00 - Private Equity Ownership & Financial Concerns 6:47 - Bob Ryan Joins from Maine 9:03 - Are the Celtics Becoming the Red Sox? 12:05 - PrizePicks 13:58 - What's Brad Stevens' Future If This Goes Wrong? 16:27 - What Boston Still Needs to Compete 18:20 - Paul George's Hostile Fan Reception 22:18 - Mazzulla's Roster Puzzle: George, Robinson & Conley 24:20 - Are the 76ers Dangerous? LeBron's Future 27:20 - LeBron's Best Landing Spot: Philly, Miami or Cleveland? Celtics on CLNS Media is Powered by: 💰 Prize Picks - Sign up at http://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/CLNS & Download the app today and use code CLNS to get $50 instantly in lineups when you play your first $5! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode, Bob, Jeff, and Gary react to the shocking news that Jaylen Brown is being traded to the Philadelphia 76ers for Paul George and four picks. They try to make sense of the trade, how we got here, and what's next for the Celtics. The Bob Ryan & Jeff Goodman NBA Podcast on CLNS is Powered by: 💰 Prize Picks - Sign up at http://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/CLNS & Download the app today and use code CLNS to get $50 in lineups after you play your first $5 lineup! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode, Jeff and Bob react to the latest trades from around the league, including the Celtics' failed move for Giannis Antetokounmpo. They discuss the "uncertain" Jaylen Brown situation and where Boston and Brown go from here. Later, Jeff gives his thoughts on Chris Cenac Jr. and Dillon Mitchell and reacts to the draft as a whole. The Bob Ryan & Jeff Goodman NBA Podcast on CLNS is Powered by: 💰 Prize Picks - Sign up at http://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/CLNS & Download the app today and use code CLNS to get $50 in lineups after you play your first $5 lineup! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode, Bob Ryan gives 2026 Finals MVP Jalen Brunson his flowers after leading the New York Knicks to their first NBA title since 1973. He compares him to the other great small guards in NBA history, assesses where Brunson ranks amongst Knicks legends, and breaks down what makes him special. The Bob Ryan & Jeff Goodman NBA Podcast on CLNS is Powered by: 💰 Prize Picks - Sign up at http://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/CLNS & Download the app today and use code CLNS to get $50 in lineups after you play your first $5 lineup! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Bob Ryan and Jeff Goodman dig into the Giannis-to-Boston rumors once again — is it finally time to move on from the Tatum-Brown era, or is health the real risk with Antetokounmpo? They debate whose team it actually is right now, whether Joe Mazzulla can solve the touches problem the way Phil Jackson once did, and what a realistic package from Miami would even look like. Plus: a deep dive into the Knicks' historic championship run — crediting Leon Rose's roster-building, the decision to move on from Tom Thibodeau, and why Jalen Brunson's old-school mentality and work ethic might be more responsible for New York's title than anyone's giving him credit for. 0:00 - Intro 0:56 - The Giannis-Jaylen Brown Trade Debate Resurfaces 1:13 - Bob's Concern: Can Giannis Stay Healthy? 2:28 - Has the Tatum-Brown Era Run Its Course? 4:04 - Why Giannis's Game Fits Better with Boston's Style 5:55 - Whose Team Is It, Tatum's or Brown's? 6:16 - The Phil Jackson Comparison & What Great Coaches Actually Do 9:48 - Is It a Talent Problem or a Chemistry Problem? 11:57 - PrizePicks 13:43 - Would Trading for Giannis Alone Be Enough? 16:24 - The "No Top 50 Player" Narrative Around the Knicks 17:58 - Why Brunson Is Better Than People Are Admitting 21:30 - The Karl-Anthony Towns Comparison & Style Adjustments 25:05 - Bob's Final Thoughts: Crediting Leon Rose's Roster Building 26:05 - Why Firing Tibbs Was the Right Move 28:23 - Giving Dolan Credit for Hiring Leon Rose 30:03 - Don't Undervalue a Great Offensive Rebounder 30:48 - Outro Celtics on CLNS Media is Powered by: 💰 Prize Picks - Sign up at http://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/CLNS & Download the app today and use code CLNS to get $50 in lineups after you play your first $5 lineup! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Bob Ryan goes deep on one of basketball's most underrated topics — Larry Bird's defense. Was he actually good? Bob makes the case that Bird was far better than his reputation suggests, breaking down his three straight All-Defensive Second Team selections, his ability to clamp down situationally late in games, and his most iconic defensive moments including the steal on Isaiah Thomas and a legendary 36-point, 21-rebound clinic against the Lakers. Plus — how Bird accomplished more statistically with the ball in his hands less than almost anyone in NBA history, and why there's still never been another player quite like him. 0:00 - Intro 0:47 - Did Analytics Actually Measure Bird's Defense? 1:30 - Bird Was All-Defensive Second Team 3 Years in a Row 2:18 - How Bird Would Lurk & Clamp Down Late in Games 3:08 - The 1984 Finals: Bird's Most Complete Defensive Performance 4:39 - The Famous Steal on Isaiah Thomas 5:32 - "Sit Back and Enjoy the Show" — Bird's 36/21 Game vs. Magic 6:43 - PrizePicks 8:34 - How Would Bird's Defense Hold Up in Today's Game? 9:18 - Bird's Photographic Memory & Basketball IQ 11:33 - The Most Underrated Thing About Bird: Producing Without the Ball 12:34 - Jokic & Dirk Have Larry in Them — But There's Only One Bird 13:01 - Bird's Work Ethic & Making Himself a Defender 14:22 - Outro CLNS Media’s preferred Daily Fantasy partner is PrizePicks. Sign up at https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/CLNS & Get $50 instantly when you play $5! Use Code CLNS Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Knicks are up 3-1 on the Spurs after one of the wildest comebacks in NBA Finals history — and Bob Ryan & Jeff Goodman break it all down. How did San Antonio blow a 29-point lead? What does this mean for Wembanyama's legacy? And is Leon Rose the most underrated executive in basketball? 0:00 - Intro 0:46 - Knicks Come Back from Down 29 — How'd It Happen? 1:23 - The Spurs Borrowed the Celtics Playbook 2:07 - Are the Knicks the Most Likable Team in Years? 4:45 - Leon Rose Deserves All the Credit 6:00 - Jalen Brunson: Average Draft Pick, All-Time Run 7:16 - Wembanyama's Image Has Taken a Beating 11:14 - PrizePicks 12:23 - De'Aaron Fox's Struggles 16:29 - Is This Series Over? 19:47 - What Does a Finals Loss Mean for Wembanyama? 26:02 - Are the Knicks a Blueprint for Teams Without a Star? 26:50 - Wrapping Up! Celtics on CLNS Media is Powered by: 💰 Prize Picks - Sign up at http://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/CLNS & Download the app today and use code CLNS to get $50 in lineups after you play your first $5 lineup! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the latest episode of the Bob Ryan & Jeff Goodman podcast, Bob takes a trip down memory lane to talk about his stories with the all-time greats of the two current NBA Finals teams. Don't miss this in-depth look at Tim Duncan, Walt Frazier, George Gervin, and more! 0:00 - Intro 0:55 - Walt Frazier 4:16 - Michael Ray Richardson 5:20 - Bernard King 8:54 - PrizePicks 10:57 - Willis Reed 12:08 - David Robinson 14:40 - Tim Duncan 17:19 - George Gervin 19:39 - Wrapping Up! CLNS Media’s preferred Daily Fantasy partner is PrizePicks. Sign up at https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/CLNS & Get $50 instantly when you play $5! Use Code CLNS Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the latest episode of the Bob Ryan and Jeff Goodman NBA podcast, the guys discuss the NBA Finals matchup between the San Antonio Spurs and the New York Knicks. After falling short in Game 1, can Wemby and co. bounce back in Game 2? Celtics on CLNS Media is Powered by: 💰 Prize Picks - Sign up at http://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/CLNS & Download the app today and use code CLNS to get $50 in lineups after you play your first $5 lineup! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices