Celtics Beat – Episode 616: "Is Bill Chisholm a Good Fit for Celtics Family?"

Host: Adam Kaufman
Guest: Cedric Maxwell (1981 NBA Finals MVP, Celtics broadcaster)
Guest Contributor: Evan Valenti
Date: March 22, 2025

Episode Overview

This episode zeroes in on monumental organizational change for the Boston Celtics: the announcement of the team's sale, with Bill Chisholm set to become the primary new owner. Adam Kaufman and Evan Valenti are joined by Celtics legend and radio voice Cedric Maxwell to discuss whether Chisholm is a cultural and operational fit for the franchise, the implications of new ownership, and the current state of the team as they head into the final stretch of the regular season. The conversation is steeped in Celtics tradition, concerns about possible disruption, and reflections on what makes the "Celtics Way" so unique.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Celtics’ Recent Performance and Playoff Outlook

• Adam sets the stage: Celtics have won 9 out of their last 10, starting a road trip strong, and are holding the second seed in the East.
  • ["No problem against the tanking Jazz. The Celtics five games behind... but does it matter?" – Adam Kaufman, 02:09]
• Return of Kristaps Porzingis after illness—playing at a high level over the last three games.

2. The Sale of the Boston Celtics: Bill Chisholm Era Begins

Background and Initial Reactions

• The Celtics have been officially sold to a group led by Bill Chisholm, a local, lifelong fan, and private equity leader.
• Hosts joke about Chisholm being a "fanboy" and invite him to connect on the podcast.
  • ["If so, please reach out directly or have your assistant reach out DM me on Twitter at Adam M. Kaufman. We'd love to have you on the show. We, we can geek out some more here." – Adam Kaufman, 04:45]

Maxwell’s Perspective: Lessons from Ownership Changes

• Cedric Maxwell draws from experience spanning three decades in Celtics broadcasting; he's seen major ownership transitions before.
  • ["This is year number 30 for me right now." – Cedric Maxwell, 05:29]
• Maxwell hopes for continuity given the team's current trajectory: All-Stars (Tatum, Brown), elite coaching (Joe Mazzulla), and executive stability (Brad Stevens).
  • ["I hope that he keeps most of the car together and doesn't change too many parts." – Cedric Maxwell, 07:12]
  • Notes that even with new ownership, the CBA and NBA's "apron" rules will eventually force tough roster decisions not necessarily tied to the owner's willingness to spend.

Chisholm’s Local Roots: Importance of the "Celtics Way"

• Maxwell underscores that Chisholm growing up in New England and absorbing the region's sports culture is meaningful.
  • Shares an anecdote about visiting the Encore casino and seeing a large Celtics mural, quoting Red Auerbach:
    • "The Celtics aren't just 18, they are a way of life." – recounted by Cedric Maxwell, 10:27
• Traveling support and national appeal evidence Celtics tradition transcending just basketball—ownership must respect and uphold this culture.
  • ["So I don't think that he's coming in like a person say that bought it from another country... because he's in the general vicinity, I think this is a really cool thing for the Celtics and a real good thing for the NBA and the Celtic family." – Cedric Maxwell, 11:41]

3. Ownership: Hopes, Risks, and the Need for Non-Interference

• Adam voices a major concern with high-profile, wealthy owners: the urge to “meddle.” He draws comparisons to other ownership groups and emphasizes the importance of not disrupting the Celtics’ current success.
  • ["You want to be involved. You want to Jerry Jones the thing. You want a medal, don't meddle. And this thing can continue going in a great direction." – Adam Kaufman, 20:11]
• Maxwell responds succinctly:
  • ["All I hear, I keep hearing you say over and over again, don't f*** it up?" – Cedric Maxwell, 21:09]
  • Fundamental wish: new ownership simply preserves what works, while financial realities under the CBA may dictate the eventual loss of some key players.

Financial Reality and Roster Management

• Discussion about challenges of the NBA’s new luxury tax rules (“the apron”), which will eventually force hard decisions.
  • ["There are going to be a point where it's going to be one of those top tier players that you're probably going to lose and the sub. The fans have to be ready for that particular thing and not blame him. But it's just the new rules of the NBA." – Cedric Maxwell, 07:46]
• The hosts and Maxwell analyze core players: Tatum and Brown are “untouchable,” but sustaining others (Porzingis, White, Holiday) will be a challenge.

4. The Present Core: Who Must Remain Untouchable?

• Maxwell's priorities for maintaining the championship core:
  • ["Brown, Tatum, Porzingis, White would be the next person. Then after that I think you have to start thinking and prioritize who you can keep and how long you can keep them." – Cedric Maxwell, 24:35]
• Recognition of the team's “super team” status and the difficulties of keeping all star-level talent under the new CBA.

5. Injury Management & Playoff Readiness

• Jalen Brown's minor knee issue: Adam says he isn’t worried unless he misses significant time; Maxwell disagrees, citing the importance of recent minutes together for postseason chemistry.
  • ["No, no, no, let's not say that. Go ahead. You do care. You do care. You need to have these guys, the five guys, your five starters need to be back probably at least three games together, you know, for the end of the year." – Cedric Maxwell, 26:07]
• Starters' limited time together (about 20% of games)—far less than Maxwell's teams in the '80s.

Porzingis’ Impact since Return

• Praises Porzingis’ seamless reintegration and high-level numbers since illness.
• Maxwell lauds Porzingis' unique offensive skillset, especially his ability to punish switches and create mismatches.
  • ["The thing that he does better than any big that we have...he punishes the other team and gets the other team in foul difficulty and really gets the subjects off to really good starts." – Cedric Maxwell, 29:04]

6. Celtics Lore and Memorable Moments

• Maxwell quips about the tradition and atmosphere around the Celtics, sharing moments like Tatum’s recent “Pele” soccer-style play as a light, fun aside.
  • ["I'm just a little surprised that we didn't talk about one of the greatest plays that we ever saw in last night's game when Jason Tatum did like Pele and kicked the ball as it was running behind him. Kicked it and it popped up and it hit him right in the hands." – Cedric Maxwell, 31:27]

Notable Quotes

• On Ownership Transitions:

  • “You can win up on him. With the man paying $6 billion for a team, you. You can win up on me all day long.”
    – Cedric Maxwell, 05:15

• On Preserving the Celtics’ Culture:

  • "The Celtics aren't just 18, they are a way of life."
    – Red Auerbach via Cedric Maxwell, 10:27

• On What Makes a Good Owner:

  • "You want to Jerry Jones the thing. You want a medal, don't meddle. And this thing can continue going in a great direction."
    – Adam Kaufman, 20:11

• On Fan Concerns:

  • “All I hear, I keep hearing you say over and over again, don't f*** it up?"
    – Cedric Maxwell, 21:09

• On Roster Priorities:

  • "Brown, Tatum, Porzingis, White would be the next person. Then after that I think you have to start thinking and prioritize who you can keep and how long you can keep them."
    – Cedric Maxwell, 24:35

Highlighted Timestamps

• 02:09 – Celtics’ current standing, Porzingis’ return, breaking news around the team’s sale
• 05:29–07:46 – Maxwell reflects on previous ownership changes, hopes for continuity with Chisholm
• 10:27 – Red Auerbach quote and meaning of Celtics culture
• 20:11–21:09 – Discussion of owner meddling and what Celtics fans fear most from new ownership
• 24:35 – Maxwell’s ranking of roster priorities under the new CBA
• 26:07 – Importance of starters getting reps together before the playoffs
• 29:04 – Impact of Kristaps Porzingis’ return

Conclusion

The episode is a candid, insightful look at a pivotal moment for Boston’s storied franchise. Adam, Evan, and Cedric dissect both the hope and anxiety that comes with new ownership, emphasizing the need to fiercely protect the fabric and culture that make the Celtics special. Maxwell’s deep ties and historical knowledge anchor the perspective, reminding fans that through change, it’s the ‘Celtics Way’—both on and off the court—that must endure. The hosts close with mutual gratitude and tease more in-depth discussions to come as the team heads toward another playoff run.