Jordan Walsh Fights For His Spot, Vuc Fits In, Celtics Enter the All Star Break 2nd Place in the East + Mediocre Life Updates

Summary

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Episode Summary

Main Theme

This episode of Green With Envy: A Boston Celtics Podcast features hosts Will Weir and Greg Manakis breaking down the Celtics' blowout win over the Bulls, with an in-depth focus on Jordan Walsh elevating his game to fight for a rotation spot. They also analyze Nikola Vucevic’s integration into the roster, the team’s progression into the All-Star break holding second in the East, and dish out their signature “mediocre life updates”—providing a mix of on-court insights and personal anecdotes, all with a light and playful Celtics-fan lens.

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Key Discussion Points

1. Celtics’ Win over the Bulls & Jordan Walsh’s Standout Performance

Timestamp: 01:01 – 09:43

• The Celtics closed out the first half of the season with a dominant 121-95 victory over the Chicago Bulls.

• Hosts immediately spotlight Jordan Walsh: his defensive energy, timely offense, and the way he flipped the game's momentum.

  • Jordan Walsh entered the game after Ugo struggled, making an immediate impact on both ends.
  • “Jordan Walsh was the fire extinguisher tonight.” (Will, 04:07)
  • He had 16 points (7-12 FG), 4 offensive rebounds (out of 6 total), 2 assists, 3 steals, 2 blocks and finished +15.
  • Multiple highlight dunks: breakaway off a steal, two backdoor cuts, two putbacks.
  • December vs. January/February contrast: Walsh’s EFG was “like 80%” in December; needed this game after a recent rough stretch.

• Greg speculates his shaved head might be a superstition: “Maybe he’s traveling to Cancun and wanted the Chrome Dome.” (Greg, 05:53)

Notable Quote

“I was third on the Green With Envy power rankings last episode. You gotta put me in.” (Will, 03:22)

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2. Wings’ Rotation & Internal Competition

Timestamp: 08:59 – 09:43

• The internal battle among the young wings—Ugo, Baylor, Jordan Walsh—fuels performances.
• Joe Mazzulla leverages this by quickly pulling underperformers, pushing Walsh to seize opportunities.

“That's why I love internal competition, because Joe Missoula knows how to push those buttons…Jordan Walsh is sitting there like, I've been here the whole year, and I've proven myself, like, what do I gotta do to get back on the court?” (Greg, 08:59)

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3. Vucevic’s Fit and Second Unit Chemistry

Timestamp: 06:03 – 07:19 | 20:23 – 23:35

• Early signs of synergy between Vucevic and Walsh, especially on backdoor cuts.

• “If Vuch could be that for Jordan Walsh…some guys just have a natural chemistry. And you saw that out of Vuch tonight.” (Greg, 06:29)

• Hosts praise the second unit: Vucevic, Walsh, White, Pritchard, Hauser – all shooters, all willing passers.

• Vucevic’s versatility reminiscent of KP (“a shrunken down KP”), bringing passing and floor-spacing, punishing mismatches.

• This was Vucevic’s third game; tonight he shined: 19 points, 11 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal, 2 blocks, 4-5 from three.

“He is taking [small defenders] completely out of the play…if they double, he’s gonna make the right pass.” (Will, 21:44)

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4. Watching the Bulls’ Roster: Guards, Dillingham & Ivy

Timestamp: 10:16 – 12:47

• The Bulls field an unusually small backcourt: Simons, Sexton, Ivy, Dillingham (“Names they were throwing out there…like, six-two and under.” – Will, 10:24)
• Extended look at rookie Rob Dillingham—quick, shifty, undersized. Hosts doubt his long-term NBA fit.
• Jaden Ivey’s stagnation is noted; hosts recall when he was dubbed a future star centerpiece.

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5. NBA Fights: Pistons-Hornets, Beef Stew, and Celtics' Toughness

Timestamp: 12:47 – 20:23

• Chat about the recent Pistons-Hornets fight ("Beef Stew" Isaiah Stewart), and NBA physicality.
• Jalen Brown’s Twitch reaction to the brawl: “If you try to smush me in the face, then you…somebody, you gotta die. That’s what Jalen said.” (Will, 17:08)
• Playful theorizing about who’d win a hypothetical Celtics brawl; consensus: Joe Mazzulla is the last one standing.

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6. Tatum Watch & Injury Reporting Nuances

Timestamp: 23:35 – 25:17

• Jason Tatum’s media availability means he's ramping up for a return: “The league actually requires him to do media, so another kind of behind the scenes tea leaf…” (Greg, 23:50)
• Hosts expect Tatum’s return window between Brooklyn game and mid-March, with hope and cautious optimism.

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7. Jalen Brown’s Growth & Mental Pressure

Timestamp: 26:53 – 29:14

• Jalen Brown was candid on Twitch about the 2023 ECF, game 7 vs. the Heat.
• After Tatum sprained his ankle, Brown felt immense pressure: “I literally couldn’t dribble,” admitting it was “maybe his worst performance” as a Celtic.
• Hosts contrast this with Brown’s growth—post-Tatum injury in recent playoffs, Brown responded with possibly his best Celtics playoff showing.

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8. Mediocre Life Updates

Timestamp: 29:14 – end

• Greg’s son is sick and he’s battling back pain—tries “Stretch Lab,” raves about immediate relief.
  • “It was like, instant relief. I’m locked in for the next three months…” (Greg, 30:53)
• Will had a “double soup day,” reflecting on perpetual illness since parenthood and the peculiar ailments that come with having a toddler.

Notable Moment

• Both hosts share relatable “we’re always sick now” parent energy—speculating about the cause and the inevitability.

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Memorable Quotes

• On Jordan Walsh’s Fight for Minutes:
  “Jordan Walsh was the fire extinguisher tonight...he went all out on Anthony Simons, and that’s what flipped it.” (Will, 04:07)

• On Celtics’ Internal Competition:
  “Joe Missoula knows how to push those buttons. Ron Harper Jr. played well, Joe went right back to him...Jordan Walsh is sitting there like, I’ve been here the whole year.” (Greg, 08:59)

• Vucevic’s Impact:
  “If KP was...shrunken down to 6’10”...he does a lot of the same stuff that KP can do, and he’s beefier...he’s going to be on the court, which KP never was.” (Greg, 20:38)

• On NBA Fights:
  “If you try to smush me in the face, then you...somebody, you gotta die. That’s what Jalen [Brown] said.” (Will, 17:10)

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Important Segment Timestamps

• Walsh’s breakout/performance breakdown: 01:01 – 09:43
• Bulls’ guard analysis, Dillingham & Ivy: 10:16 – 12:47
• NBA fights & Celtics’ hypothetical brawl: 12:47 – 20:23
• Vucevic’s fit & impact: 20:23 – 23:35
• Tatum’s likely return teasers: 23:35 – 25:17
• Jalen Brown’s ECF admission & growth: 26:53 – 29:14
• Mediocre Life Updates: 29:14 – end

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Episode Flow & Tone

The hosts maintain a conversational, light-hearted, and self-deprecating tone (“Mediocre Life Updates”) even when discussing complex basketball strategy or difficult player situations. They blend humor, honest fan anxiety, NBA lore, and in-the-weeds basketball analysis, making the episode engaging for both hardcore Celtics fans and casual NBA listeners.

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For Listeners: Why This Episode Stands Out

If you missed this episode, you didn’t just miss an in-depth breakdown of a Celtics blowout or a Jordan Walsh hype session—you missed the hosts’ clever blend of X’s and O’s, roster chemistry speculation, NBA culture talk, and authentic slices of day-to-day life as sports-loving parents. The balance of sharp analysis and warm camaraderie makes it a must-listen for anyone eager to understand not just the Celtics’ playoff push, but the culture and humanity that surrounds Boston basketball this season.

Transcript

[A]

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[A]

To Green with Envy with Will and Greg. All right, everybody, they queued up Gino time at the Garden. So the boys here at Green with Envy said, let's queue up the stream and let's go live. Celtics currently still wrapping this one up right now up 118 to 95 on the bulls putting a little, little nightcap on their first half of the season as we get ready for the All Star break. So we'll recap this game, talk a little bit about the All Star break, and get you guys set up for second half of the season, really the home stretch of the season. Coming up here on Green with Envy. You guys know the deal. Let's lock in. What up, what up, what up? Welcome in to another edition of REM With Envy a Green with Envy early post game live. Celtics still wrapping this one up here, but it's 121 to 95 with just over two minutes left to go. We decided that the Bulls wanted to start their All Star break early, and so did we. So we figured let's queue up the mics. Let's get it going. As always, this is your boy Will Weir checking in. How you doing? How you live it? Joining me as he does each and every time, my best friend, co host and the coach of our podcast, the one and only, Greg Manakis. Greg, if you're like me, I'm assuming you might have this up on a. On a second screen or, or a second tab. Just watch the end of the game. I gotta Say the one thing I'm really looking for here, Does Jordan Walsh have yet another put back dunk in him? Because he's. He's on tear with his dunks tonight.

[B]

Yeah, things I'm looking at Jordan Walsh's performance and Joe Missoula. Take Peyton Pritchard off the goddamn court. Man, what are we doing? We're up like, we're up 20 points with a minute 30 left. Just get him off the court. The game's well in hand. He's your. He's your sixth man. He's. Now Anthony Simons is gone. He's all the punch you need off the bench. And why is he on a goddamn court? Driving me nuts. But Jordan Walsh has been amazing. He's a story of this game comes in early in the first quarter. I think after Ugo messes up, Ron Harper Jr. Gets the first call off the bench like he did in the last game. And Jordan Walsh is like, listen, I need to play. I deserve to play. And let me prove it. I'm going to play so hard, you hear?

[A]

I was third on the green with envy. Power rankings. They put me third on the power rankings last episode. You gotta put me in. You gotta put me in.

[B]

And as we speak, Pton Pritchard continues to drive to the hoop with 118 left in the game. But Jordan Walsh's story of this game, man, what were your thoughts?

[A]

I'm so happy that you. I texted you and we were just. I was kind of like, hey, man, what are we gonna talk about? Like, this game's kind of a blowout, right? Well, we gotta talk about Jordan Walsh. And in my head, that was already a part of the rundown here because the number one thing I noticed, like you said, I don't remember if his first appearance was either end of the first quarter or beginning of the second quarter, but only time this game was close is really for a little bit in the first quarter. And then I think, you know, the last two, three minutes, Celtics pulled away. And it's just been the same story every night, but it definitely coincided with when Jordan Walsh entered and specifically when Jordan Walsh was garden our guy, Anthony Simons. And you could tell Jordan Walsh has been watching the tape all year long on Anthony Simons, who hit a couple of shots early on that, you know, you could tell Drew was. Drew on the broadcast was like, I'm gonna drop the inferno. And I got, I got to give Anferno some love. It's my last time for this season to be able to do that. And Jordan Walsh was the fire extinguisher tonight. He came out there and said, oh, hey, dude, I've watched you all season. Because I had to sit my ass on the bench after my hot streak, and you can't handle pressure, and I'm gonna turn into a junkyard dog tonight. And he went all out on Anthony Simons, and that's what flipped it. And then his momentum. Eddie House was talking about this, like, his momentum from the defensive side then came over to the offensive side, and I think he was 7 to 12 from the field. I'm pretty sure out of those seven shots, at least four of them were dunks. So Jordan Walsh was just very aggressive getting to the basket, maybe even five.

[B]

I think it was five because he had the breakaway dunk off. When he peeled Simons at half court, he had a dunk off of about maybe two backdoor cuts.

[A]

Two backdoor cuts and the two putbacks.

[B]

So, yeah, yeah, he just had another block as we're talking right now. So that's three steals and two blocks for Jordan Walsh. And this was the Jordan Walsh we were seeing in December. Like, his December stats are ridiculous. His effective field goal percentage in December was like 80% over the last 15 games he's been playing. He hasn't been playing well over the last 15 games, and he needed a game like this going into the All Star break. Noticed he shaved his head. The patches of hair that were growing back in, they were not there tonight. So I'm wondering if he was like, you know what? I was growing it out, but I need to shave this thing. Like, I need to, you know, some superstition. I need to have it clean. Clean shaving going into the break. Maybe he's traveling to Cancun or something and wanted the. The Chrome Dome going to Cancun.

[A]

Want to have a little shine off the sunlight down there.

[B]

Yeah, yeah. You know, as Peyton Pritchard and a Simon step up. But, yeah, man, this was one of those games where, When. When we've talked about the. The impact that the three Wings can have. Ugo, Baylor, and Jordan Walsh, each of them brings just a little bit something different that the other one can't do, but they all bring something similar. It's really strange, right? They all bring energy, they all bring defense, but they all do it in a slightly different way. And one thing that I was thinking about with Jordan Walsh's backdoor cuts out of the slot with Nikola Vuchevic running the delay at the top is sometimes it takes a complimentary piece to unlock something in you right. And if, if Vuch could be that for Jordan Walsh, some guys just have like a natural chemistry. And you saw that out of Vuch tonight. V and Jordan Walsh, if they could develop some sort of chemistry there. The beautiful basketball that that second unit was playing with Vuch, Jordan Walsh, Derrick White, Peyton Pritchard and Sam Houser, like, that's a lineup that I really want to see out there because it's all guys that can shoot, all guys that know how to play basketball, all guys that are not afraid to make that extra pass. And I think we saw that a lot tonight.

[A]

Yeah, it's all guys who are relatively good in with. With movement as well too. And obviously with Vuch, it's a little bit different. He's more of a screen and move type type situation, not necessarily off the ball. But I like that a lot. I like the idea of the chemistry potential between Vuch and Jordan Walsh because he said you saw two different back cuts right, where they were just in sync. And sometimes that, that isn't specifically that type of play is a chemistry play. Right. Like, that takes some feel. And this is game three for Vucevich. And we've mentioned that, you know, Jordan Walsh is certainly, you know, he played 30, almost 30 minutes tonight. Like, that's not normal recently for, for Jordan Walsh. So I, I think for me, I just really hope that this is kind of a jumping off point to re. Jump back off for Jordan Walsh, if that makes any sense at all. Because, yeah, right. Like, I kind of got there because one of the things I thought about Greg is like, as we're going through these rotations of Wings, the Jordan Walsh hype that for his section of like, the rotation of Wings was definitely the greatest one out of like, all of the guys that we've ranked number one this season. The text threads that we were on with people talking about Jordan Walsh, like, I think it felt the most real and it definitely felt the most exciting for the potential of what it could be, at least right now in the moment. Long term, whatever you can, you can project out what, what you want. And that probably leans Ugo, but I think for this season, that stretch, and I want it back, man, there was a stretch this season where all I was watching was Jordan Walsh, and I kind of want that back. And I hope that this is a moment that feeling good going into the break maybe can bring some of that back on.

[B]

That's why I love internal competition, because Joe Missoula knows how to push those buttons. Ron Harper Jr. When he got that Start. He played well, and Joe went right back to him, you know, a couple games in a row, and Jordan Walsh is sitting there like, I've been here the whole year, and I've proven myself, like, what do I got to do to get back on the court? And it took Ugo messing up a couple plays in a row for Joe to take Ugo out of the game. Insert Walsh, right? And then Walsh is like, I'm not coming off the court the rest of this game. He ends up to the game's final 29 minutes, 7 for 12 from the field. He goes four offensive rebounds out of his six. He has two assists, three steals, two blocks, 16 total points, plus 15 on the night.

[A]

Yeah, this is. This is an early season Jordan Walsh game right here. Just, like, quintessential, and it was good to see. It's been a while. Like you said, it's been a while since we've seen a night like this. He's, you know, had a few small moments, but nothing like this. That. That hearkens back to what we saw, and that, I think, got Celtics fans really, really excited early in the year. So I think that's a huge part of this. And, you know, overall, Greg, this is kind of the perfect game for the Celtics to go into the break, right? A Bulls team that is just dis, you know, deconstructed after what is up.

[B]

With their roster construction?

[A]

I don't know. Undersized guards, Technically a basketball team, but it's not really a basketball team.

[B]

Like, like, the names that they were throwing out there, like Simon Sexton, Ivy Dillingham. Those are all guys that are like, six, two, and under.

[A]

Yeah. Gideon, Trey Jones, who are two other guards that are going Giddy's maybe their best, probably their best player. And Trey Jones is a really solid point guard. Like, those are two other gu that need to play on this team that. That actually weren't active tonight.

[B]

What are your thoughts on Rob Dillingham?

[A]

You know, tonight was my first extended look at him. He had a couple moments where I was impressed. He had one where he got to the rim, and I was like, for a guy that skinny and frail, I was a little impressed with that finish. Overall, kind. It was. It was kind of mixed, to be honest. Like, defensively, I'm just like, I don't know what he's gonna do. Like, I don't know. I don't know how you survive with.

[B]

Six, two and a half. He wasn't. He's, like, barely the same size as Peyton Pritchard, who's like six feet and a half. So, I mean, I've always thought he was like 5 11. I was trying. I was really trying to figure out, like, comparing the size of people tonight on the court just because of Rob Dillingham, I just don't believe he's six two and a half. And he just looks smaller than everybody else on the court. Maybe that is because he's so frail. He's quick as. As anything, man. But I don't know, man. I think they have a lot of guys that I wouldn't be surprised if they're out of the league and, you know, three to three to four years. Like, I wouldn't be surprised if he's playing overseas. Jaden Ivy and Colin Sexton, I think.

[A]

I was gonna talk about was Jaden Ivy. Jaden Ivy, man, I. It's, it's crazy to where he's at now. And I know part of this might just be he needs a little bit more time to get back from, from his injury. But it was like, what happened to the Jaden Ivy, where it's like, this is the centerpiece of if the Pistons want to make a big move for Lowry Markkanen, it's Ivy and two picks and you figure out the rest. Like, that's right. That's the big move. Right? And like, you know, I was there for, in for Ivy's, I think, second or third game back when he was with the Pistons earlier this year, and I didn't even notice him on the court. And like, granted, coming back from an injury, you never know. We're gonna go through this with Tatum potentially, and I don't think it's going to be obviously to the, to the level of Jaden Ivy, but it's like, I've watched the Pistons several times with Jaden Ivy. Didn't notice them. Didn't notice him in almost any game. And then to see where he's at today and you know that that viral clip of him was going around from over the weekend where it was like, I don't know what's gonna happen next. He ends up firing the ball off a guy'. It's like, it's. It's a pretty rough time for Jason.

[B]

A lot of good viral clips coming out of the NBA over the past week, man, the, the fights that are happening. We got to talk about the Beast do fight. That was great.

[A]

Oh, yeah, yeah.

[B]

Well, I was waiting for someone to get their head taken off. And, like, when you saw that Beast do was involved in an altercation, did you like Immediately run to your phone to watch it. It was one of those things where I was like, I gotta see this. Steve Smith here, former NFL wide receiver and host of the 89 show on YouTube. In my day, I go up against defenders twice my size and wasn't afraid of getting hit. But one thing terrified me, people learning I had a mental health issue. I thought, I'll seem weak. But being open about your struggles isn't weak. It's the only way to overcome them. That's where BetterHelp online therapy comes in. Visit betterhelp.comradio better help to get started. Betterhelp.comradio.

[A]

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[B]

Because I wasn't watching the game live.

[A]

So I'll tell you what, I'm really upset at myself. I saw that it was the Hornets Pistons, and it was a little bit before that fight. I was like, you know what, I'm gonna check out that game. But I was like, doing a few other things and I was like, I'm coming back to that game. I'm just gonna check if it's close in the fourth quarter. I'm going back to it. And I had an eye on it. I think, like, probably like 9 minutes in the third quarter. And I did something else for like a half hour. And I came back and it still said third quarter, but five minutes. And I was like, wait a minute, how long did it take? And that's when I went to Twitter and I saw everything. And I was so mad at myself because I would have tuned in right at the point where that fight was about to go down. So I was, like, devastated at myself for not having tuned in right when I had thought about it. But yeah, as soon as it came out, I've seen a million different clips of it. I think I sent you the one where they put Stone Cold's music coming to it when Beef Stew comes running out.

[B]

When I heard it was Miles Bridges he was going after, I was really rooting for him to connect.

[A]

Oh, absolutely. He got him by the hair. He was. He was squared up, ready for. He did get him by the hair a little bit. But, man, I love BE Stew. Beef stew is great. And like, I love the way the Pistons reacted to it, where even their coach was like, yeah, they're like brothers. I'm. They were like, I'm not. I'm not gonna condemn him. I'm not gonna say anything else. Like, you just. You with our guys, you get back with, like, that's what happens.

[B]

Like, I was surprised he only got seven games. I feel like that's like a 15 game suspension. Like, coming off the court and coming out swinging. Like, I feel like that was pretty egregious what he did, isn't it? Like you're. You're like never supposed to leave the bench area.

[A]

Yeah. Automatic. Like, I think that's like three or four games automatically just for like leaving the bench and then the swinging part. I mean, I guess everyone else in that got. I think it was Duran and Bridges got four games or Diabate enduring and during got four games and Bridges got two or something like that. So maybe it was just like, all right, he gets three for coming off. We'll just match the other four with everybody.

[B]

Scrap, man. He. He broke through Beef Stew style to get back. I gotta say, Duran's little pivot to avoid the swing at half court was pretty smooth.

[A]

Dude, I like that. Duran thought it was over with, and then he had to square back up because he was like. He was like walking away, and then he, like, just came back in and, like, did a little flip, but. Did you hear Jalen Brown talking about the fight?

[B]

I didn't. What'd he say?

[A]

So he was. He was streaming on Twitch the other day, which, by the way, I tried to tune into the. To the whole. I was like, you know what? I happen to be on Twitter. I was like, let me check this out. Tuned in for like five minutes. And I was like, I don't know what's gonna happen. I don't. I don't want to sit here waiting for maybe something. I'll just catch a clip later. But he ended up talking about it and at that point, because he was streaming live while it was happening. So then him and his boys were like, all reacting to it. And there's that clip of. I think it was Durin put his hands, like, kind of smushed Diabate's face, and they were all of. Jalen is both like, that's when. That's when it got escalated right there. Which is. Which is ironic because I think Duran actually got the least suspension out of anybody in this. And I Think what he said was, yeah, you try to smush me in the face, then you. Somebody, you gotta die. That's what Jail said. He's like, you, you gotta die. It's over after that if you try to smush me in the face.

[B]

So I really. I don't want. I want to see Jalen Brown in a fight just to see the damage he could inflict. But obviously, I don't want to see Jalen Brown in a fight because I don't want him suspended, and I don't want him getting hurt. But I need to see the Celtics get in the scrap because I want to see Joe Missoula run onto the court. I need to. I need Joe Missoula to have his Jeff Van Gundy moment. But instead of just like, hugging someone's leg, he actually does some, like, heel hook, ankle lock and snap. Somebody. He', Achilles. Like, that's what I want to see out of Joe. Joe's gonna be suspended for. He's suspended for the rest of the season.

[A]

Yeah, he's. Because he's gonna black out if that happens. He's gonna get into the mode, and then they're gonna be like, joe, what were you thinking there? He's gonna be like, didn't think anything.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

So. So through your mind, when you decided to run out, what made you think it was a good idea? Nothing. That's it, Joe. Yeah, nothing. That's it. It's always gonna happen for you.

[B]

So I. I saw the hill hook. It was available. I took it. And. Yeah, when I do that, all I gotta do is.

[A]

He left you. You into it.

[B]

Snap the heel. Sorry. It's not going to be able to play basketball in the playoffs. But that's what happens when you mess with Joe Missoula.

[A]

Yeah, that would be interest. A Celtics brawl would be f. Okay, here's a question for you. Do you. Do you. If. If the Celtics internally had a brawl, would you pick Joe Missoula to come out of it?

[B]

I think I would have to. Right? He's choking out. He's choking out at least three guys.

[A]

I mean, he's 37. Right. Or 36. He's our age. Right. Like, you know what I mean? Like, this isn't. Usually coaches, even if they're retired players, are in their 40s, a bunch of injuries. Like, you know, he stopped playing basketball six years ago, seven years ago. Right. Like, he's been coaching that whole time, so he's. He's kept some mileage down. He doesn't have, like, you know, all this Bad cartilage and everything else like a Sam Cassell might have from playing for 13.

[B]

And there's a clip of him, you know, in practice the other day where he was out there in the middle of the drill playing defense. So you know that he, by all accounts, he was the best player on the court in the, the media game. So, you know, Joe, Joe definitely is still in shape. Dude, I wouldn't, I wouldn't mess with Joe, that's for sure.

[A]

It's, it's, it's tough because we don't really have like, I think obviously because of Jalen's, you know, boxing and Muay Thai background. I think that would be probably the final that I would look at is, is Joe versus versus Jalen. But there's not really like, there's not those Bobby Portis types, which by the way, I did think about, man, how it came up today when they were, Eddie House and Drew Carter were talking about like self motivation, like making stuff up and how Joe does that. And it made me think of your Bobby Portis on the Celtics thing. I was like, oh God, those two psychos together. That would be entertainment. Because I think Bobby Portis is the one that said he imagines his opponent smacked his mother before.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

To get motivated.

[B]

He's crazy, man. But you know, I, I, that's a good pivot point talking about Bobby Portis because I do think we need talk about Vuch and his game tonight. We talked a little bit about it and you know, the, the passing that we saw to vouch. But this was the first time we saw Vuch knock down some shots. Right. And it got, I gotta tell you, man, it reminded me a little bit of kp, like what he's able to bring, the, the passing, the back door cuts. It's like if KP was, that's the theory. Yeah. Shrunken down to 6 foot 10. You know, he does a lot of the same stuff that KP can do and he's, you know, he's beefier, so he's not going to get around. Like KP could get pushed off his spot. I think the, the ceiling of his offense is a little bit lower than what KP's was. But he's going to be on the court, which KP never was.

[A]

Yeah, no, I totally agree. I think this was a really good V game. He finishes with 19 points and 11 rebounds, three assists, a steal and two blocks. And as you mentioned, four out of five from three, which I think is going to be so important. And you know, Vuj is a stretch big. He, his three point shooting can be a little bit erratic. This is something we talked about when, when the trade happened. Right. But the biggest thing for him is that he's going to have open looks in this offense that he's never had anywhere else.

[B]

Right.

[A]

And that only amplifies if and when Jason Tatum comes back because you're adding that other dynamic force. So Vuch knocking down shots is an absolute must because all of his looks are going to be really, really good open looks. And you know, in that Knicks game the other day, like nobody hit shots, right. He himself included. Right. So that's that you just throw that one up because that was. Everybody was basically missing shots. But on that, like tonight he got good looks, knocked them all down. And it only makes his passing all that more dangerous. Right. Like those two things play off each other. His shot, his passing, the things that he can do offensively. And I, I think honestly what I've really loved the most is to your point of being more of like a burly guy is when he gets these switches with, with small guys, he is taking them completely out of the play. Yeah, he is getting. They have to foul or either, either he's gonna get the ball and he's gonna. And then if they double, because he's just getting like really deep position, he's gonna make a right, the right pass. So that for me has actually been the part of Vuch's game that I've enjoyed the most is just absolutely punishing those switches and being like, cool, come make a choice. Because you just laid out some of the lineups that he was with. Ton, you know, Hauser and Pritchard and White and Jalen and you know, you go on and on through the list. Even Shireman, who knocked down a couple threes tonight, like, good luck. Pick your poison after that because either you're giving up a easy two at the rim or Vuch is hitting a dime or even, you know, Jordan Walsh back cut. Peyton Pritchard made a couple of cuts off of those double teams and Vuch is going to be able to expose that. And I, I think that's another area of our offense that will now be unlocked. And you saw tonight, first time we didn't. And Garza got some, some cleanup minutes, but went away from that double big. Thank God, because that lineup was trash. But went away from Garza tonight and it was just a Kate of Vusovic, which I think is kind of leaning in.

[B]

Yeah, we called that on the last pod. We said they're gonna have to go two bigs instead of. Instead of three bigs in the rotation. Last thing before we do Mediocre Life. Update Will Jason Tatum. Okay. He's doing media again.

[A]

Heard of him.

[B]

And you heard Jason Tatum. You heard of that guy? Yeah, yeah, I heard Grandy. He was on a show and he mentioned that Jason Tatum is now required to be doing media. So it's not just he's doing media just because he practiced, but now because he's ramping back up and he's tracking to play, the league actually requires him to do media. So another, like, kind of behind the scenes tea leaf reading that can tell you, hey, Jason Tatum probably is going to play this season because the league is now mandating Jason Tatum is available to the media, whereas before he was not mandated to be available. So Grandy dropped a good nugget there.

[A]

I wonder how they, how they track that, right? Because I feel like sometimes with injuries, just all of a sudden you get like, man, when's this guy coming back? And all of a sudden you get a shams update. Like, hey, Yogic is playing tonight. Right? And so I wonder how they. And maybe it's different for guys that were on, like. And I don't know if maybe Tatum was on like a certain IL list designation, like, earlier in the year, because I knew he wasn't playing for the first two, three months. So maybe with something like that, it's a little bit different. But again, it's funny how this whole process has played out. Right, Right, right.

[B]

But if you're going to trust anyone, you're going to trust Grandy on that. You know, like, he wouldn't, he wouldn't say that if it wasn't true.

[A]

Yeah. 100. And it's, you know, in the last week, I'm back to. I think he's coming back. You know, I, I still think so. And I think the time frame that you and I outlined last episode is pretty accurate.

[B]

Right?

[A]

Like, I think it's that Brooklyn game is the opening shot. And then I think it's up until about, I think it was March 14 that, like, Wizards Friday night, that home stand where it's like Washington, Phoenix, and I forget who the next game is, but there, there's a time frame that makes sense. If it doesn't happen within, then I, I think it's out. But I, I think we're getting closer and closer to that point and it's pretty exciting. It's exciting to think about. I don't want to let myself go too Far down that. That path. But it is, it is pretty exciting. I know you want to get to mediocre life, but I did have one other thing that I wanted to hit me with it to bring up.

[B]

I got a crying baby to keep it. Keep it somewhat short.

[A]

Okay. Okay, I gotcha. Yeah.

[B]

This Steve Smith here, former NFL wide receiver and host of the 89 show on YouTube. In my day, I go up against defenders twice my size and wasn't afraid of getting hit. But one thing thing terrified me, people learning I had a mental health issue. I thought I'll seem weak. But being open about your struggles isn't weak. It's the only way to overcome them. That's where better help online therapy comes in. Visit betterhelp.comradio betterhelp.comradio to get started. Better. H E L P.

[A]

Gentlemen, whether you're two dates in or going 20 years strong, a Valentine's Day gift is always a good idea, even if you let the kiddos pick it out. Just hit the Walmart app and get it delivered in an hour with express delivery. Sound good?

[B]

Great.

[A]

Subject to availability restrictions and fees apply. So again, I was watching Jalen Brown's Twitch and he was talking a little bit about Drake May in the super bowl and like, kind of using his own, his own history as kind of references for Drake May. And something I thought was interesting is that instead of going to the 22 finals, he actually went to the 23 Eastern Conference finals against the Heat.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

And what he talked about was how after Tatum rolls his ankle, very first play of game seven, Tatum came over to him, put his arm around him and said, bro, my ankle's cooked. Whatever you got tonight, I need it. And Jalen, very open and honestly completely just admitted I put so much pressure on myself, I literally couldn't dribble. Which we all saw.

[B]

Maybe his worst performance has a Celtic.

[A]

Exactly. And so I, I thought it was really interesting for him to use that as a way to, to, you know, compare to the performance that Drake may have in the super bowl and just talk about how, like, as an athlete, you can really put too much pressure on yourself. So I just thought that was, that was an interesting anecdote that I hadn't heard him talk about openly before, especially, you know, the Tatum coming over him. And to be like, always talked about this Batman and Robin or Batman and Batman type relationship. And for him to be like, bro, I need you tonight. I got nothing after that. And so I thought that was just an interesting anecdote that.

[B]

Yeah, for sure and you know, it. In terms of Jalen's growth as a player, obviously we. That we win a title a couple years ago. But then same thing happens where Jason Tatum goes down with the Achilles injury. And how does Jalen Brown respond in the next game with maybe his best performance as a Boston Celtic player in. In the playoffs, where he. He was the best player on the by far. And, you know, he's diving into the stands. Remember that one play he had and was it game five where he dove into the stands or game four? I can't remember which game Tatum hurt. Yeah, yeah. But game four, Game four, he's diving into the stands. He's pumping the crowd up. He's doing his best Jason Tatum impression where he's running the offense, running high pick and roll, manipulating the defense. He was ready for that moment. Game six, obviously, the team, the bed. But to see him bounce back after the anecdote that he just shared where he wasn't ready to step up without Jason Tatum, it just speaks to a. You know, speaks to his personality, speaks to his character, and speaks to his ability to learn from his past mistakes.

[A]

Yeah. I got nothing else to add on that. Should we do a Mediocre Life update and wrap this episode up?

[B]

Yeah, let's do it.

[A]

All right. Let's hit it. I'm not even gonna do the music this time. I actually. That's gonna be my job over the All Star break. I'm gonna actually try to find some better Mediocre Life. Thank God, because it's not great. It's not great. Yeah, I. I ackn. You want to go first? You want me to lead us off here?

[B]

I'll go first. So 1. James is sick, everybody. So prayers to James because he vomited today. Fever of 101.4 daycare. I had to leave work early to go get him. He's actually crying right now. So, you know, when we wrap this up, he's screaming for dada. Mama's got him right now. But shout out to my little guy, James. I was expecting him to come in and be part of the stream because I heard him crying, but I think Danielle's got it covered. But I am gonna go shout out to you. So my Mediocre Left Life update, you mentioned when we were together for the Super Bowl, a place called Stretch Lab in Mueller.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

And I decided, you know what? My back is to the point where, like, I truly think I need surgery on my back. Like, that's how bad my back feels. And I'm like, I gotta Try something. I gotta try something else. I did physical therapy. I did chiropractor. I looked into acupuncture, but I don't. I have an acupuncture mat, so I do that. And I was like, I just need to, like, maybe go to this stretch lab place that Will talked about. You mentioned how your friend, your buddy, told you that it kind of, like changed his life. So I went to one session on it. Must have been. When would that have been? I can't remember when that was together.

[A]

Sunday. So it's either Monday or Tuesday.

[B]

It was Monday. It was Monday. I went. I went Monday. And I gotta tell you, man, I feel so much better after one session.

[A]

Really.

[B]

They hooked me, like, they hooked me immediately where I'm like, locked in for the next three months, eight sessions a month. Like, sign me up for the highest, you know, the highest subscription model that you have. I'm in because I felt so good after one session that I've had two back, like, painless days, back to back, painless days in my back, which I haven't had, I don't think, in over a year. So pretty excited about that. I've been doing the stretches, been doing the homework that they've been giving me. Basically, when you go in there, they have some model that you put your hands over your head.

[A]

This is funny because I referred you to this place. I've never been. I've only heard my friends talk about this. I've never actually been.

[B]

So you go in there, they have. You stand with your hands over your head, you do three squats. And then they, like, have this program that analyzes all the inconsistencies in your body. And basically my left hip, which I always have pain in, my left hip is like twice as tight as my right hip. And when I do a squat, my. It makes my knee turn out. And then they were like, okay, so if we just fix your left hip, that's gonna, like, trigger a lot of chain reactions through your back. And you're gonna. You're just gonna feel a lot better and instant relief. And I was like, yeah, yeah, yeah, I've heard this. I went to chiropractors, I did all this stuff, and I gotta. It was like, instant relief.

[A]

So what do they do differently than. Than your chiropractor?

[B]

They just. They identified exactly where the. The pain was emanating from. So it's my left hip, which is super tight and like, rotating inwards is where most of the pain is. And it's actually pulling on my lat. So Your lat starts at your hip and goes all the way up. Like, all the way up to your. Your armpit. And that's where I experience a lot of pain. After I play basketball. I have to ice my hip, and I'm like, damn, this. This hurts a lot. But apparently it's just causing a lot of pain in my back. So shout out to stretch lab. I will con. I will continue to update the people to see if this is actually a remedy for back pain that I've had since last. So two Thanksgivings ago was when my back really started.

[A]

No, wait, was it. Was it two things? When you're. When you were holding James and your back gave up, you just, like. Yeah, you just, like, threw them to me. You're like, I can't. I can't it. Do. Do this, right?

[B]

Yeah, that was the day. That was the day. You were there. You witnessed it. So that's my mediocre life update, man. I'm on the road to recovery, dude.

[A]

Shout out to stretch lab. All right, maybe I got. Maybe I got to stop just giving it. Giving them referrals and actually go check it out.

[B]

It's pretty expensive, though. It's very expensive.

[A]

I'll be honest. That was. That was what prevented me from. From going. I was. Because I was hoping. Because they don't really have, like, a. You basically have to buy a package, right? They don't really have, like, oh, hey, you can do it by session. And I'm like, you can.

[B]

It's like, if you do it by session, it's like $125 per session, which is like, who's paying that?

[A]

Right? It's like, what's the. What's the point of that? Exactly. So that I remember now, like, that is what prevented me from going to check it out when I was like, oh. Because I don't have a specific thing. I just, like, in general should probably stretch and be more healthy. And I was like, oh, this could be good. But. But my friend at work that suggested it shout out to my guy Alan, I remember he was like, he. He told me this, like, two years ago, and it's. Or a year and a half ago, and it's, like, stuck with me because he was like, dude, it doesn't really work out. But he was. You know, we sit at the computer all day, and like, he was like, dude, my back was, like, so messed up. And, like, you know, I was trying all these different things. Went to stretch lab, and he was like, dude, they told me it was my hamstrings. And I was like, what? And so kind of similar. They must have done that analysis. And we're like, oh yeah, we just gotta stretch out your hamstrings. And he's like, my back has been so much better. And now he, I don't know if he still goes or if he just goes in for maintenance or whatever, but that's good to hear, man. I'm glad because I know you've been really down on your back situation and you know, we've got, we've got hoops starting tomorrow, so I'm hoping that this keeps you motivated so we get a few more, not just one more season, but like a few more years out of whatever the idea, whatever, whatever we can get there. I mean, honestly, I'll be real with you. My goal is to get to 40, so that means we got four more years. Like, that's.

[B]

Love it.

[A]

That's, that's really what I want to get to. And you know, then maybe we can go to the, the 35, 40 plus leagues and we'll see. Although you're, you know, you're entering the senior man league now, so let me, let me know, let me know how that goes, but I'm glad to hear that you're, you're doing better. Shout out to stretch lab. All right. My mediocre life update. It's funny, yours was kind of centered on me. Mine is a little bit centered on you because I think it's something that you're just going to really appreciate. Had a double soup day today. Big soup day. So I was sick yesterday. I, dude, I don't know what it is. If it's, I mean, it's a combo of having a baby plus like, you know, I got coveted two or three times over the last five years. And now it's like I've never, I used to never get sick. I, you know me, I, I don't swallow pills. I don't like really take any medicine. And for the most part I think that's actually a little bit better because I, I, you know, I see a lot of people who are just like, I take this medicine, then I overcorrect with this medicine, then I correct with this medicine, and now you're just balancing all this. And I was like, that can't be good for your body. So I feel like my body used to do a really good job of like self regulating and usually like twice a year I'd have like an extended cold when the seasons change. But like, that's about it. Like, I never really Got sick, little sore throat, little stuffy nose for a little bit. And it's. It, dude. In the last, you know, year and again, I don't know if it's more tied to having a daughter who gets sick a lot now or if it's also like some of this Covid. Because I've gotten like three different times in the last like six months. These like 24 to 36 hour sicknesses. Yeah. Where my body is just overtaken with chills. Like it's the worst feeling. It's like yesterday just I had had a headache all day and then just chills building up, building up, building up. And you know, my daughter was home sick because she has an ear infection which hopefully she didn't get James sick. But you know, babies will do as babies do and just get sick to ever give it to everybody. And. And so she was home. And so me and my wife or me and Lorena was like balancing work, taking care of the baby because we can't bring her to school. And like the whole time I'm like, I'm trying to do something and not just be a useless piece of. But I feel terrible. Yeah. And so. And so luckily so Lorena to go out and a bunch of soup. I was so not feeling it that as soon as I got Mariana to bed, I went to bed at like 7 o'.

[B]

Clock.

[A]

I just was like, I want to take a hot shower and then I just want to wrap up in blankets. And I didn't even sleep. I just like, just like just, you know, just got warm basically because I was so cold from the chills. Dude.

[B]

That 24 hour like chill virus, whatever that is that's out there. I've gotten it a lot too, man. I don't know what it is. I don't know if it's like nor.

[A]

I've never gotten it before, dude. It's like in the last year happened.

[B]

It's probably from the kids. It's probably something that we just haven't been exposed to over.

[A]

Do you think there's a bunch of parents listening right now that have like, you know, 10 year, like three kids or 10 years, like a couple of 10 year olds are like, yeah, dude, it's called parenting. Like that's your life now. It would be me and you are.

[B]

Like, the world's changing. Yeah. Oh man. What kind of soup did you have?

[A]

So, yeah. So as a result of that, my wife went out and got soup yesterday that I didn't eat today. So we had some leftover. So had some Chicken noodle soup. Soup for. For lunch, which was, you know, chicken noodle soup. I hadn't had it in a long time.

[B]

I don't.

[A]

I'm not where you get your soup from, soup guy. It's just heb, which is a local supermarket here for. For those that. That don't know. But some chicken noodle soup. And then for dinner we did some grilled cheese with. With tomato soup, which. Tomato soup is underrated, man. You know, it's. It's funny. You know, we already did. We started Mediocre Life update with my revelations on tomato on tomatoes. I've. I've liked tomato soup again. I don't know why I was so against tomatoes. I like tomato soup soup. I've. I think I've always liked tomato soup or at least I used to be anti tomato soup without knowing if I like tomato soup, you know. And you just sauce like one thing. Yeah, it's just sauce. It's hot sauce. It's hot red sauce. Exactly.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

But yeah, that was some grilled cheese. It was fantastic. So nice little, you know, barely ate anything yesterday. Today, nice little double soup day. I'm feeling. Went for a run this afternoon. I'm feeling good. I'm feeling bad back.

[B]

Good for you. Are you watching the All Star game this weekend?

[A]

Absolutely not.

[B]

I'm not even going to tune in. I'm not going to watch any.

[A]

I will say I have no plans to. If I'm sitting around and we're doing like literally nothing. I'll probably check in on it, but I have no, in no way is it a part of my weekend. It's not a part of the plans. It's not a necessity. I am so far out. I just don't. Don't give a like at all.

[B]

I've been making Danielle sit through a lot of sporting events over the past month or so, so especially, you know, with the super bowl, the Celtics, Knicks on. On Sunday. I've been watching a lot of UFC because UFC's back, playoff football, like all this stuff that's been going on. She deserves a break. So I'm gonna give her a break from all sports this weekend. Valentine's Day this weekend. So I think that also contributes to that, that just try, you know, trying to treat myself, treat her well. And hopefully James doesn't get us both sick so that we can actually have some fun. And then I'm looking forward to my 37th birthday, which is right around the corner, man. February 23rd. It's on its way, so. And officially enter in my late 30s, hopefully. I enter my late 30s with a fixed back.

[A]

The healthy back, man. That's all you can ask for, right? Hey, can we enter your late 30s with a healthy back? That's. I think that's about as good as you can do. That's gonna do it for this episode here of Green with Envy. Just, you know, quick programming update. It' the All Star break this weekend, so we may have something for you this weekend. Honestly, we might not, though, just given the fact that all. Unless something crazy happens or the All Star turns into more interesting than we expect, we'll probably wait and do kind of a setup episode sometime early in the week. Celtics don't play again until next Thursday when they hit a West coast trip starting out in Golden State. So make sure that you are locked in on all of our socials. We will have obviously videos coming out, shorts, clips, so stay tuned. We'll let you know the next time that we have an episode coming out. But if you're not locked into the All Star break, which I don't think you should be, to be 100% honest, like, I hope you're kind of not. Go enjoy yourselves this weekend. Go do something fun. Go do something non sports related. Because once we get back from the All Star break, we're in it, baby. We're in the either Tatum's coming back or he's not. We're on full scale. Tatum watch. And. And if he's back. Everything we've been talking about all season, Greg, about, oh, it's all house money. It's this and that. It's still technically a little house money, but it's going to get a lot more serious. Like, it's going to get a lot more serious of like, how do we match up versus the Pistons? What does this mean against the Knicks? The Cavs are starting to come on like, what. What is that going to look like? And ultimately like, hey, the Thunder are kind of beat up. Did you, you know, the Pistons have caught the Thunder that they're, they're neck and neck now. So. So it's a little bit more open now than it was, you know, six weeks ago that if Tatum comes back, there's a chance. So get ready to get locked in post the All Star break. Take the weekend. Go enjoy yourselves. That's what we're gonna do. For myself, for Greg, this has been agreeing with them be postgame. We appreciate y' all rocking with us. Catch you later. It don't take much no more until I hit the floor Every time I hit this high, it's you. I find it don't take much. No more until I match the door. Gentlemen, whether you're two dates in or going 20 years strong, a Valentine's Day gift is always a good idea, even if you let the kiddos pick it out. Just hit the Walmart app and get it delivered in an hour with express delivery. Sound good?

[B]

Great.

[A]

Subject to availability restrictions and fees apply.