Celtics Beat Episode 663: "Eastern Conference Stronger Than Expected?" with Keith Smith

Date: February 14, 2026
Host: Adam Kaufman with Evan Valenti and guest Keith Smith

Episode Overview

This episode, hosted by Adam Kaufman with co-host Evan Valenti and guest Keith Smith (Spotrac, The Front Office Show), delves into the Boston Celtics’ surprising resilience during their so-called “gap year,” Jalen Brown’s leadership and perception, the state of the Eastern Conference, MVP debates, Jason Tatum’s impending return, and a breakdown of NBA All-Star Weekend events—including a candid look at why the All-Star Game and its festivities struggle to engage. The hosts analyze stats, team narratives, fan and media reactions, and dish honest opinions on league trends with their trademark blend of insight and humor.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Jalen Brown's Social Media Message & Team Identity

[03:24–11:01]

• Adam opens discussion about Jalen Brown's recent tweet/Instagram post touting the success of this year's Celtics—“I'm proud of this group and staff and front office and looking forward to a second half. Go Celtics."—which prompted some on social media to suggest it was a dig at Jason Tatum.
  • Adam's take: "I think Jalen put this out not to say, 'See, Jason, look what we are without you.' It's more, 'look what we can do when I am a focal point.'"
  • Keith Smith: "Yeah, it's funny. I saw it and I was like, cool. Like, this guy is happy of all he has accomplished ... I think he is just trying to make the case of, 'Hey, we're pretty good.'"
  • Evan Valenti: "I can't do the Jason Tatum versus Jalen Brown thing anymore. ... These guys can fit together, this is ridiculous. ... It's a sign of pride. ... These guys are just throwing giant middle fingers to everybody that has talked about this team."
• All agree that the idea of pitting Jaylen versus Tatum is tired and not reflective of reality or the players' intentions.

"I just... I can't do this anymore. I can't do the Jason Tatum vs. Jalen Brown thing anymore. We did it enough when they were younger." —Evan Valenti (09:04)

2. Is the Eastern Conference Really That Weak?

[11:04–18:59]

• Adam runs down the current East standings, noting seven or eight teams above .500, but questions about quality depth remain.
• Keith Smith’s defense of the East: The gap vs. the West isn't as vast as people think, especially at the top. Top Eastern teams could beat anyone in the West.
  • "If you look at the conferences side by side, it looks like on initial glance, like the west is just this loaded bloodbath ... but it is a little bit more balanced ... I think the teams at the top of the East can beat any team in the West."
• Counterpoint (Adam & Evan): Consensus is still that the West is stronger, especially in star power and playoff-tested squads. Boston's record is partly a function of a softer conference.

"Boston being this good, I think in terms of the standings, is a direct relationship to how unstacked the Eastern Conference is." —Evan Valenti (16:26)

"I think the East teams deserve a little bit more respect for the way they've played. ... I don't think it's as far off as it has been in years past." —Keith Smith (18:59)

3. MVP Race & Jalen Brown's Place in the League

[26:13–33:23]

• Adam dismisses the idea of Jalen as a serious MVP candidate despite a career year; Vegas lists him at 100-1, compared to SGA (Shai Gilgeous-Alexander) and Jokic at the top.
  • "Jalen Brown...should be recognized...but he's not the best player in the league." —Adam Kaufman (27:53)
• Keith: Brown should be in the Top 5 for MVP and a lock for First-Team All-NBA, but not a genuine threat to win the award unless injuries shift the field.
  • "Yeah, Jalen Brown should be in the mix to be in the top five in voting and an All-NBA spot for sure ... but to actually win the award? No." (28:24)
• Evan: Praises Jalen's growth, pride, and self-designation as the best two-way player—even if it's Wemby (Wembanyama) in that spot for him.

4. Jason Tatum’s Looming Return

[34:16–43:05]

• Adam outlines the likely timeline for Tatum’s return—expects a home game soon after the All-Star break, possibly against the Hornets after his birthday, and notes recent signals: five-on-five practices, increased media presence.
  • "I'd say we're at least a couple weeks out still ... when he returns it is going to be a home game ... I think we're inching very, very close." (36:09)
• Keith’s perspective: Media access to Tatum’s workout in Detroit was the signal he’s really coming back; expects him to start, not come off the bench.
  • "The one that told me, 'Oh, yeah, this is happening' was that workout in Detroit ..." (36:34)
  • Sees benefit in him re-building chemistry pre-playoffs; even 85% Tatum is a massive upgrade.
• All note Tatum appears physically stronger; possible adjustment to playing more PF/small-ball C.

"He looks huge right now." —Evan Valenti (41:57)
"Yeah, I'm with you ... up top, I think he got bigger in the shoulders, biceps, chest, back." —Keith Smith (41:59)

5. NBA All-Star Weekend—Events & Critiques

Dunk Contest

[43:05–48:02]

• Field: Carter Bryant (favorite), Jackson Hayes, Keyshaw Johnson, Jace Richardson.
• General sentiment: Weak field, low recognition—NBA should overhaul the event or bring in pro dunkers if stars won't participate.
• Adam: Leans toward Keyshaw Johnson ("...he could dunk on a 12-foot hoop and not have a problem doing it ... that's my pick in this embarrassment of a contest").
• Keith: Picks Jace Richardson for Orlando ties and bloodlines, but jokes:

  "If you feel compelled to bet on the dunk contest ... just give it to me." (47:55)

Three-Point Contest

[48:03–53:10]

• Notable names: Can Knueple (rookie and favorite), Damian Lillard (despite not playing this year), Jamal Murray, Tyrese Maxey, Bobby Portis (only big in field).
• Lillard is a popular pick due to reputation, skill, and having nothing to do but practice threes.
• Keith: Highlights Portis as an underdog; only player in the event who specializes in spot-up shooting.
• Evan: Likes Norm Powell to win for shooting consistency.

All-Star Game Format & Larger NBA Issues

[53:27–62:18]

• They mock the “world vs. stars” Olympic-style format, doubting it will make the game competitive.
• Cites Nick Wright's "Whites vs. Blacks" proposal for spike in ratings—a controversial, tongue-in-cheek mention more as a critique of the league’s desperation for engagement.

  "It would work, it would actually work for a game like this ... that's how you do it." —Adam Kaufman (55:14)

• Keith—highlights the myth-making around ‘competitive’ All-Star Games of the past:

  "People act like the All Star games from the 90s were these cutthroat blood feuds ... These games have never been good ... unless you got into that under six minute timeout and the game was close ..." (58:00)

• Evan—believes people want to see players try, but the risk of injury and lack of depth for any meaningful extras limits potential.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Jalen Brown Criticism:
  "He is someone who, I think, real or imagined, has these slights that motivate him, and he plays with this chip on his shoulder all the time... that's probably a big part of why he is so successful."
  —Keith Smith [06:58]
• On the East vs. West Narrative:
  "I think the East teams deserve a little bit more respect for the way they've played... I don't think it's as far off as it has been in years past."
  —Keith Smith [18:59]
• On Jalen Brown’s MVP Case:
  "He should be in that conversation to actually win the award? No, unless we get really wonky with SGA missing a bunch more time and Jokic missing more."
  —Keith Smith [28:24]
• On Wemby’s Promise to Go Hard in the All-Star Game:
  "And we'll see if Wemby follows through with his promise that he's going to go hard and he's going to be out there blocking shots and going crazy. If one guy could force other guys to go a little bit harder, right? That could be a thing..."
  —Keith Smith [62:18]
• On All-Star Game Nostalgia:
  "People have gone into the nostalgia of the All-Star Game and created things that never happened. ... As if Magic Johnson, not an active player in the NBA, wasn't in an All Star Game and spent a large chunk of the fourth quarter taking half court hook shots."
  —Keith Smith [58:00]

Timestamps for Major Segments

• Jalen Brown's social media post & perception: [03:24–11:01]
• Eastern Conference strength debate: [11:04–18:59]
• MVP conversation & Jalen’s candidacy: [26:13–33:23]
• Jason Tatum’s injury update and return timeline: [34:16–43:05]
• All-Star Weekend: Dunk Contest: [43:05–48:02]
• All-Star Weekend: Three-Point Contest: [48:03–53:10]
• All-Star Game format critique & engagement: [53:27–62:18]

Tone & Style

Blunt, humorous, slightly irreverent, and deeply informed. Adam, Evan, and Keith strike a friendly rapport, oscillating between serious breakdowns of stats and players and light-hearted jabs at league traditions, overcooked narratives, and the absurdity of some NBA promotional decisions.

Takeaways

• The Celtics' cohesion and Jaylen Brown’s pride have carried the team through injuries and low expectations this season.
• Eastern Conference may not be as weak as perceived, especially at the top—but consensus is the West is deeper and more star-laden.
• Jalen Brown is a first-team All-NBA talent this year but should not be in MVP favorite discussions unless injuries reshape the race.
• Jason Tatum’s return is imminent, he looks physically stronger, and Boston expects to re-incorporate him ahead of the playoffs.
• NBA All-Star Weekend struggles for relevance and star participation; fans and analysts are skeptical that gimmicky format changes can revive it.

For Celtics fans and league watchers alike, this episode balances deep dives on Boston’s season and broader NBA culture, bringing ample insight and the wit Celtics Beat listeners have come to expect.