Celtics Beat Episode 653: “Celtics ARE Contenders, Time to Add”

Podcast: Celtics Beat (CLNS Media Sports Network)
Host: Adam Kaufman
Guests: Dan Greenberg (Barstool Sports), Evan Valenti
Release Date: December 6, 2025

Overview

This episode dives deep into the 2025 Boston Celtics’ unexpectedly strong performance, their legitimate status as contenders, and the front office moves still needed to seize a championship window. Host Adam Kaufman welcomes regulars Dan “Greenie” Greenberg and Evan Valenti to dissect the team’s development, the emergence of Jordan Walsh, rotation strengths, weaknesses (especially at center), and trade possibilities as the deadline nears. The tone is optimistic, passionate, and detailed—full of numbers, banter, and debate about this season’s true ceiling.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Celtics’ Recent Dominance and League Standing

(02:08–06:36)

• Coming off blowout wins against the Lakers and Wizards, the Celtics are 14–9, tied for fourth in the East, with the league’s hottest offense in the last 11 games despite injuries.
• Stats cited (via Sean Grande & Dan Greenberg):
  • 9–2 in the last 11; NBA's #1 offense at a historic pace
  • 51% FG, 41% from three, 17+ made threes per game—numbers at or above franchise record levels
  • Most wins against .500+ teams, top wire-to-wire wins, and blowouts in the NBA
• Adam Kaufman: “The Celtics are actually very good and need to make a move in season for a legit big[…] this team will contend in the East.” (06:36)

2. The Urgency to Add a Center – Win-Now Moves

(06:36–12:04)

• Tatum’s Potential Return: All agree Jason Tatum will be back, but the roster must be upgraded now—not relying solely on his return.
• Current big men: Nene Kada is “more than serviceable,” perhaps top five center in the East, but the depth behind him is “nothing you trust.”
• The consensus: Standing pat at the deadline is unforgivable; the window is now.

Dan Greenberg:

"They're a position away from potentially, you know, having a foundation to make a run. Which is why I want to amend my season comp… I think we're leaning more towards the 17–18 Celtics… They're arguably the second best team in the East as it stands today. It’s just like—this is it, they’re doing it, and they’re almost forcing Brad’s hand […] we cannot punt on this season." (09:54–11:33)

3. Trade Market Realities: Targets, Contracts, and Constraints

(12:04–21:48)

• Who’s available? Most rumors around “aggregator” sites, little concrete. Potential center targets:
  • Ivica Zubac (Clippers)
  • Nic Claxton (Nets)
  • Goga Bitadze (Magic), Santi Aldama (Grizzlies), Larry Nance Jr./Willie Hernangómez/Messi (Pelicans)
• Evan’s targets: Zubac (“my white whale”) and Claxton (“great screener, lob threat, rim protector, fits instantly”).
• Salary complications:
  • Zubac's and Claxton’s contracts require roster and salary matching acrobatics, possibly adding undesired salary (e.g. DJJ) or needing a third team.
  • Boston’s situation: Avoiding future guaranteed money, or at least keeping it manageable while resetting luxury tax at some point.

Greenberg:

“It’s just so complicated to figure out how to thread that needle…when you’re not operating with leverage, you tend to kind of get it through both ends in the trade.” (18:12–19:16)

4. Anthony Simons’ Future and Asset Management

(25:06–33:57)

• Simons’ expiring contract seen as a trade chip but not an “attach a pick just to dump” scenario—his deal should have market value.
• “If you’re getting a real player, you might need to [add a first],” Adam notes, but late 1st-rounders aren’t anything to fear moving.
• Realistic outcome: Using Simons’ salary to land a serviceable rotation big, possibly one under the radar with a small deal (e.g. Day’Ron Sharpe, Messi).

Greenberg:

“If they trade Simons and only take back a TPE…yeah, that would be attaching a pick to sell off a contract. But the fact that he’s an expiring deal has value… I think it’ll be easier to flip as opposed to…it was kind of a prayer that they were able to offload Jrue [Holiday]…” (28:28–30:47)

5. The Jordan Walsh Breakout: “Baby Tatum”

(33:57–43:54)

• Walsh’s numbers: 19 games (11 starts), 21 MPG, 7 PPG, 5 RPG, 60% FG, 45% 3P, 81% FT. Since entering the starting lineup, Celtics are 9–2.
• Described as “the biggest development of the season.”
• Defensive versatility and “feel for the game” are drawing comparisons to early Tatum, Tayshaun Prince, and even Andrei Kirilenko. Set to remain a starter even when Tatum returns.
• Greenberg:

  “He’s already one of the most versatile on-ball defenders in the entire NBA…We saw him hold Austin Reaves [to zero made baskets in 23 possessions]… He looks like 19–20 year old Jason Tatum.” (36:15–38:35)
  “He is, he’s arguably one of the most important pieces of the next championship roster, and I’m not even kidding.” (42:32–43:23)

• Evan:

  "Jordan Walsh is not only a good basketball player—he is now, to me, untouchable." (41:59)

6. Joe Mazzulla: Coach of the Year, System Evolution, and Media Perception

(50:49–58:03)

• Hosts agree: This is Mazzulla’s most impressive season (despite previous 57– and 61-win years, and an NBA title).
• Massive changes in schemes to fit the roster:
  • Offense has doubled midrange attempts, reduced iso/post-ups, fewer threes, more rebounding aggression.
  • Defensive strategy: Prioritizing turnovers, trading more fouls for aggression.
• Disappointment/anger at national media’s lack of Mazzulla recognition.
• Greenberg:

  “He has to be the early-on favorite for Coach of the Year because he’s doing this without his best player and he’s doing it with guys that were literal career DNPs that he is now turning into rotation players that have the second-best point differential in the conference.” (53:47)

• Kaufman (quoting Seth Landman):

  “He’s coaching the roster that he has […] they are not dogmatic.” (52:01)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments (with Timestamps)

• “The Celtics are actually very good and need to make a move in season for a legit big for the rotation because Jason Tatum is coming and this team will contend in the East.” —Adam Kaufman (06:36)
• “They're arguably the second best team in the East as it stands today...this is it, they're doing it, and they're almost forcing Brad's hand.” —Dan Greenberg (11:25)
• “My white whale is obviously Zubac out in Clipper land...Brooklyn Nets...Nick Claxton, I feel you could talk to them at least.” —Evan Valenti (14:12)
• “Salary restrictions...make these trades so hard.” —Dan Greenberg (16:32)
• “Especially at the position—if you can flip [Simons], get under the luxury tax but still address your need. That is like the very definition of a grand slam.” —Dan Greenberg (33:47)
• “He looks like baby Tatum. I'm telling you.” —Dan Greenberg on Jordan Walsh (34:25)
• “He is now, to me, untouchable. I don't...I'm never trading that guy. No way.” —Evan Valenti on Jordan Walsh (42:01)
• “This might be the most impressive Joe Mazzulla season of his Celtics career...not even close.” —Greenberg/Valenti (51:12)
• “He has to be the early-on favorite for Coach of the Year because he’s doing this without his best player...with guys that were literal career DNPs.” —Dan Greenberg (53:47)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Opening & Celtics’ Recent Success: 02:08–06:36
• The Case for Trading for a Big Now: 06:36–12:04
• Exploring the Trade Market (Targets & Salary Notes): 12:04–21:48
• Simons’ Contract & Asset Management: 25:06–33:57
• Jordan Walsh Segment (Breakout & Comparisons): 33:57–43:54
• Evaluating Mazzulla’s Coaching & Media Recognition: 50:49–58:03
• Outlook, Schedule, and Final Thoughts: 58:15–End

Tone and Style Note

The conversation is enthusiastic, with a raw, die-hard-fan energy but anchored in stats, history, and CBA details. There’s playful debate and mutual agreement on critical points: Boston’s timeline is NOW, bold moves are a must, Jordan Walsh’s development is astonishing, and Coach Mazzulla deserves far more credit.

Summary Table of Candidates to Trade For (Center Position)

| Name | Team | Likelihood | Main Hurdle(s) | |--------------------|------------------|----------------|----------------------------| | Ivica Zubac | Clippers | Low | Clippers’ cap, future salary | | Nic Claxton | Nets | Medium | Nets cap space, high cost | | Goga Bitadze | Magic | Unlikely | Magic contending | | Santi Aldama | Grizzlies | Possible | Spot minutes only | | Messi | Pelicans | Dark horse | Unknown availability/salary| | Miles Turner/Nurkic| Pacers/Suns | No | No interest |

Final Takeaways

• The Celtics’ early season surge is real and sustainable—contenders if the front office acts.
• Boston must reinforce its big man rotation; standing pat and/or luxury tax avoidance is not an option.
• Jordan Walsh’s emergence legitimizes the young core and may be the most important development of the season.
• Coach Joe Mazzulla’s ability to reimagine schemes and maximize marginal talent is elite—and underappreciated around the league.
• The next six weeks—trades and continued growth—may define the fate of the 2025 Celtics.

Ready to contend, the Celtics’ front office faces an inflection point. As Dan Greenberg puts it:

“Their opportunity is so wide open if they continue to play like this.” (21:33)

For die-hard Celtics and NBA fans, this episode is a can’t-miss deep dive into Boston’s path from dark horse to genuine contender—and the tough decisions looming in the next chapter.