The Green With Envy 2025 Awards featuring Jaylen Brown, Nico Harrison, Jayson Tatum, and more!

Green With Envy: 2025 Awards – Episode Summary

Podcast: Green With Envy: A Boston Celtics Podcast
Episode Date: January 5, 2026
Hosts: Will & Greg
Main Theme:
The episode marks the first show of 2026, featuring Will and Greg handing out their “2025 Awards”—mixing Celtics updates, personal holiday stories, and playful, creative year-in-review superlatives. The hosts take a deep dive into Jaylen Brown’s unprecedented MVP-level rise, discuss Celtics’ roster developments, key NBA happenings, and highlight personal and community moments—all laced with the duo’s signature humor and storytelling.

Key Segments, Topics, and Insights

1. Holiday Catch-Up and Celtics State of Play

[01:01-05:45]
- Hosts exchange stories about restrained gift-giving during the holidays, emphasizing memorable gifts (personalized towels, pet-themed hats, and new bedding).
- Both reflect on small, quality family moments over material excess.
- Memorable Moment: Greg's custom hat featuring his dog Blaze (“Danielle got this hat for me… she sent an old picture of Blaze… just nice because we kept the presents to ourselves limited, right?”—[04:33] Greg)
Celtics Recap
- Will summarizes recent Celtics events:
  - 4–1 road trip, now half-game back of the Knicks for 2nd in East
  - Derek White’s “seven block game,” Joe Mazzulla wins Coach of the Month
  - Jaylen Brown’s 50-point explosion vs. Clippers ("number one topic in the NBA"—[09:14] Will)

2. Jaylen Brown’s MVP Case: In-Depth Analysis

[08:50–24:32]
- Award Discussion Launches: Greg starts with his “You Get Your Chance At The Playground Award,” paralleling Jaylen Brown’s moment as the Celtics’ lead guy—and not choking under pressure.
  - Quote: “Jalen Brown has his chance at the playground right… And he did not have chicken nugget fingers whatsoever. He got the ball, told the kid to go deep, and he threw a hundred yard dime.” ([12:04] Greg)
- Jaylen’s Dominance
  - Greg: “There’s no difference between him and SGA this year. The only guy in the league I think there’s a difference is Jokic.” ([12:57])
  - Both marvel at Jaylen shutting down Kawhi, comparing his game to peak Kobe and even Michael Jordan.
  - Quote: “I’m sending out texts… Jalen looks a lot like Kobe Bryant. Like, I don’t know that there’s a difference between what Jalen is right now, and Kobe Bryant was at his peak.” ([13:23] Greg)
  - Will calls out the national NBA conversation shifting—highlighting when critics acknowledge “Jaylen Brown looked like the best player in the world tonight.” ([13:49])
- MVP Pathways & Tatum/JB Dynamic
  - Will: “Jalen Brown is having the MVP season that Jason Tatum never could have." ([14:40])
  - Explores media narrative, injuries opening the MVP door, and how the Celtics may well have two top-10 players.
  - Greg: “Right now is the fully realized, built-in-a-lab two-guard in the mold of MJ and Kobe… reaching its highest potential.” ([22:08])
  - Discussion of Jalen’s efficient midrange shot profile vs. Tatum’s heavier three-point diet.
- Notable Quotes:
  - “The consistency that we’ve seen out of Jaylen Brown over the last six weeks...mind-blowing.” ([19:06] Greg)
  - “I just feel lucky that we have Jalen Brown to carry us while Jason Tatum is out… It’s Jalen Brown’s team right now.” ([22:08] Greg)

3. The 2025 “Obscure, Long-Winded” Green With Envy Awards

[24:32–58:34]
Format: Each award combines personal anecdotes with NBA/Celtics analogies.

A. The Random Cousin Energy Award

[26:59] Will: For Ugo Gonzalez, the Celtics’ own change-of-pace difference-maker.
- Compares “random cousin” at the holidays to Ugo’s unpredictable but uplifting impact: “When he comes in the game, it’s a different vibe, different energy...most of the time it’s uplifting… Occasionally doesn’t go great.” ([29:49])

B. Grandpa’s Big Secret Award

[31:51] Greg: For Jalen Williams, Thunder—recognizing those who surprise post-fact (Williams’ hidden wrist injury in the playoffs compared to a family’s “legendary” and very adult secret).
- Hilarious and memorable moment; hosts lose composure discussing the ‘legend’ ([33:29]; [34:51])

C. It’s On My Plate, So I’ll Eat It (But I Don't Really Like It) Award

[37:19] Will: For Anthony Simons
- Simons compared to unexpected banana cake: “He’s here, not what I expected…you learn to adjust expectations, make him palatable.” ([39:07])

D. We Probably Shouldn’t Have Three Dogs and a Baby Under One Roof Award

[43:05] Greg: For the Lakers
- Compares holiday logistics with dogs and a baby (chaos potential) to the Lakers’ lineup with Luka, LeBron, and Austin Reaves (“three dogs and only one basketball”)—concludes the fit is dysfunctional.
- Will offers: “He’s clearly entering his Jordan-on-the-Wizards years, right?” ([46:12])

E. I Got This! (Maybe I Don’t Got This) Award

[48:45] Will: For Josh Minott
- Minott’s up-and-down play compared to Will’s attempt at clipping his baby’s fingernails—starts great, ends in disaster, falls out of rotation.
- “We both just gotta stay ready. We’re part of the stay ready crew now.” ([52:52])

F. The Dead Know Nothing Award

[52:56] Greg: For Nico Harrison
- Parallel between lighting hair on fire in ignorance (inspired by a Dorchester author’s book) and Mavericks GM’s shortsighted Luka/AD trade.
- “Nico no longer has a job…I no longer have some of the hair on my head because of that…” ([54:22])

G. Excited But Need to See It (Marty Supreme Award)**

[56:02] Will: For Jason Tatum
- Tatum’s looming return compared to highly anticipated Timothy Chalamet movie about ping-pong—excitement high, but “gotta see it.”
- “I just don’t know, I gotta see it. I need to see it.” ([57:54])

4. Special Community Shout-Out: The Killa Mentality Award

[58:34–63:20] Greg:
- Honors Chris Kowalski, their friend and two-sport D1 athlete at Boston College, battling colon cancer.
- Promotes “Killa Mentality” hoodies (link in show notes) to raise awareness and support his family.
- “Chris, we’re praying for you, rooting for you, man… Hopefully everybody can at least go click on the link and check out Chris’s story.” ([60:33])
- Poignant closing note on resilience and supporting your people.

Notable Quotes & Moments

“Jalen Brown has his chance at the playground right this year... He got the ball and he told the kid to go deep and he threw a hundred yard dime… That’s how great I think Jaylen Brown is playing right now.” ([12:04], [13:23] Greg)
“Jalen Brown is having the MVP season that Jason Tatum never could have.” ([14:40] Will)
“Right now is the fully realized, built-in-a-lab two-guard in the mold of MJ and Kobe game… reaching its highest potential.” ([22:08] Greg)
“It’s Jalen Brown’s team right now.” ([22:34] Greg)
“When you throw something new in the mix, it brings this different energy… Random cousin energy award.” ([26:59] Will)
“This award goes to the big dumb idiot, Nico Harrison, who decided to throw caution to the wind and for temporary satisfaction decided to… trade Luka Doncic for Anthony Davis…” ([54:22] Greg)
“Chris, we’re praying for you… It can affect men as young and as healthy as someone like Chris.” ([60:33] Greg)

Timestamps for Key Segments

[01:01] Start of main show, holiday catch-up, and awards overview
[08:50] Beginning of Jaylen Brown MVP deep-dive
[12:04] Jaylen’s “playground” moment (Greg’s analogy)
[14:40] “MVP season Tatum never could have” debut
[19:06] JB’s consistent dominance remark
[22:08] “Built-in-a-lab two guard” comparison to MJ/Kobe
[26:59] Start of awards segment (“Random Cousin Energy Award”)
[33:29] “Grandpa’s Big Secret”—episode’s funniest moment
[39:07] Anthony Simons = Banana Cake
[43:05] “Three dogs and a baby” Lakers analogy
[48:45] Minott nails/fingernails story
[52:56] “Dead Know Nothing” – Nico Harrison
[56:02] Tatum “Marty Supreme” anticipation award
[58:34] Killa Mentality/Chris Kowalski community shout-out

Episode Tone and Closing

Genuine, playful, and Boston-rooted—Will & Greg blend die-hard Celtics insight with offbeat, human stories. They deliver both sharp basketball analysis and award show absurdity, honoring Jaylen Brown’s rise, discussing roster quirks, and closing with heartfelt support for their community.

For full Celtics recaps, unique analogies, and endearing long-winded awards—and for anyone who needs to know why Jaylen Brown is the front-runner for MVP in Boston—this episode is a must.

Green With Envy: 2025 Awards – Episode Summary

Key Segments, Topics, and Insights

1. Holiday Catch-Up and Celtics State of Play

[01:01-05:45]
- Hosts exchange stories about restrained gift-giving during the holidays, emphasizing memorable gifts (personalized towels, pet-themed hats, and new bedding).
- Both reflect on small, quality family moments over material excess.
- Memorable Moment: Greg's custom hat featuring his dog Blaze (“Danielle got this hat for me… she sent an old picture of Blaze… just nice because we kept the presents to ourselves limited, right?”—[04:33] Greg)
Celtics Recap
- Will summarizes recent Celtics events:
  - 4–1 road trip, now half-game back of the Knicks for 2nd in East
  - Derek White’s “seven block game,” Joe Mazzulla wins Coach of the Month
  - Jaylen Brown’s 50-point explosion vs. Clippers ("number one topic in the NBA"—[09:14] Will)

2. Jaylen Brown’s MVP Case: In-Depth Analysis

[08:50–24:32]
- Award Discussion Launches: Greg starts with his “You Get Your Chance At The Playground Award,” paralleling Jaylen Brown’s moment as the Celtics’ lead guy—and not choking under pressure.
  - Quote: “Jalen Brown has his chance at the playground right… And he did not have chicken nugget fingers whatsoever. He got the ball, told the kid to go deep, and he threw a hundred yard dime.” ([12:04] Greg)
- Jaylen’s Dominance
  - Greg: “There’s no difference between him and SGA this year. The only guy in the league I think there’s a difference is Jokic.” ([12:57])
  - Both marvel at Jaylen shutting down Kawhi, comparing his game to peak Kobe and even Michael Jordan.
  - Quote: “I’m sending out texts… Jalen looks a lot like Kobe Bryant. Like, I don’t know that there’s a difference between what Jalen is right now, and Kobe Bryant was at his peak.” ([13:23] Greg)
  - Will calls out the national NBA conversation shifting—highlighting when critics acknowledge “Jaylen Brown looked like the best player in the world tonight.” ([13:49])
- MVP Pathways & Tatum/JB Dynamic
  - Will: “Jalen Brown is having the MVP season that Jason Tatum never could have." ([14:40])
  - Explores media narrative, injuries opening the MVP door, and how the Celtics may well have two top-10 players.
  - Greg: “Right now is the fully realized, built-in-a-lab two-guard in the mold of MJ and Kobe… reaching its highest potential.” ([22:08])
  - Discussion of Jalen’s efficient midrange shot profile vs. Tatum’s heavier three-point diet.
- Notable Quotes:
  - “The consistency that we’ve seen out of Jaylen Brown over the last six weeks...mind-blowing.” ([19:06] Greg)
  - “I just feel lucky that we have Jalen Brown to carry us while Jason Tatum is out… It’s Jalen Brown’s team right now.” ([22:08] Greg)

3. The 2025 “Obscure, Long-Winded” Green With Envy Awards

[24:32–58:34]
Format: Each award combines personal anecdotes with NBA/Celtics analogies.

A. The Random Cousin Energy Award

[26:59] Will: For Ugo Gonzalez, the Celtics’ own change-of-pace difference-maker.
- Compares “random cousin” at the holidays to Ugo’s unpredictable but uplifting impact: “When he comes in the game, it’s a different vibe, different energy...most of the time it’s uplifting… Occasionally doesn’t go great.” ([29:49])

B. Grandpa’s Big Secret Award

[31:51] Greg: For Jalen Williams, Thunder—recognizing those who surprise post-fact (Williams’ hidden wrist injury in the playoffs compared to a family’s “legendary” and very adult secret).
- Hilarious and memorable moment; hosts lose composure discussing the ‘legend’ ([33:29]; [34:51])

C. It’s On My Plate, So I’ll Eat It (But I Don't Really Like It) Award

[37:19] Will: For Anthony Simons
- Simons compared to unexpected banana cake: “He’s here, not what I expected…you learn to adjust expectations, make him palatable.” ([39:07])

D. We Probably Shouldn’t Have Three Dogs and a Baby Under One Roof Award

[43:05] Greg: For the Lakers
- Compares holiday logistics with dogs and a baby (chaos potential) to the Lakers’ lineup with Luka, LeBron, and Austin Reaves (“three dogs and only one basketball”)—concludes the fit is dysfunctional.
- Will offers: “He’s clearly entering his Jordan-on-the-Wizards years, right?” ([46:12])

E. I Got This! (Maybe I Don’t Got This) Award

[48:45] Will: For Josh Minott
- Minott’s up-and-down play compared to Will’s attempt at clipping his baby’s fingernails—starts great, ends in disaster, falls out of rotation.
- “We both just gotta stay ready. We’re part of the stay ready crew now.” ([52:52])

F. The Dead Know Nothing Award

[52:56] Greg: For Nico Harrison
- Parallel between lighting hair on fire in ignorance (inspired by a Dorchester author’s book) and Mavericks GM’s shortsighted Luka/AD trade.
- “Nico no longer has a job…I no longer have some of the hair on my head because of that…” ([54:22])

G. Excited But Need to See It (Marty Supreme Award)**

[56:02] Will: For Jason Tatum
- Tatum’s looming return compared to highly anticipated Timothy Chalamet movie about ping-pong—excitement high, but “gotta see it.”
- “I just don’t know, I gotta see it. I need to see it.” ([57:54])

4. Special Community Shout-Out: The Killa Mentality Award

[58:34–63:20] Greg:
- Honors Chris Kowalski, their friend and two-sport D1 athlete at Boston College, battling colon cancer.
- Promotes “Killa Mentality” hoodies (link in show notes) to raise awareness and support his family.
- “Chris, we’re praying for you, rooting for you, man… Hopefully everybody can at least go click on the link and check out Chris’s story.” ([60:33])
- Poignant closing note on resilience and supporting your people.

Notable Quotes & Moments

“Jalen Brown has his chance at the playground right this year... He got the ball and he told the kid to go deep and he threw a hundred yard dime… That’s how great I think Jaylen Brown is playing right now.” ([12:04], [13:23] Greg)
“Jalen Brown is having the MVP season that Jason Tatum never could have.” ([14:40] Will)
“Right now is the fully realized, built-in-a-lab two-guard in the mold of MJ and Kobe game… reaching its highest potential.” ([22:08] Greg)
“It’s Jalen Brown’s team right now.” ([22:34] Greg)
“When you throw something new in the mix, it brings this different energy… Random cousin energy award.” ([26:59] Will)
“This award goes to the big dumb idiot, Nico Harrison, who decided to throw caution to the wind and for temporary satisfaction decided to… trade Luka Doncic for Anthony Davis…” ([54:22] Greg)
“Chris, we’re praying for you… It can affect men as young and as healthy as someone like Chris.” ([60:33] Greg)

Timestamps for Key Segments

[01:01] Start of main show, holiday catch-up, and awards overview
[08:50] Beginning of Jaylen Brown MVP deep-dive
[12:04] Jaylen’s “playground” moment (Greg’s analogy)
[14:40] “MVP season Tatum never could have” debut
[19:06] JB’s consistent dominance remark
[22:08] “Built-in-a-lab two guard” comparison to MJ/Kobe
[26:59] Start of awards segment (“Random Cousin Energy Award”)
[33:29] “Grandpa’s Big Secret”—episode’s funniest moment
[39:07] Anthony Simons = Banana Cake
[43:05] “Three dogs and a baby” Lakers analogy
[48:45] Minott nails/fingernails story
[52:56] “Dead Know Nothing” – Nico Harrison
[56:02] Tatum “Marty Supreme” anticipation award
[58:34] Killa Mentality/Chris Kowalski community shout-out

Episode Tone and Closing

For full Celtics recaps, unique analogies, and endearing long-winded awards—and for anyone who needs to know why Jaylen Brown is the front-runner for MVP in Boston—this episode is a must.

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Summary

Green With Envy: 2025 Awards – Episode Summary

Key Segments, Topics, and Insights

1. Holiday Catch-Up and Celtics State of Play

2. Jaylen Brown’s MVP Case: In-Depth Analysis

3. The 2025 “Obscure, Long-Winded” Green With Envy Awards

A. The Random Cousin Energy Award

B. Grandpa’s Big Secret Award

C. It’s On My Plate, So I’ll Eat It (But I Don't Really Like It) Award

D. We Probably Shouldn’t Have Three Dogs and a Baby Under One Roof Award

E. I Got This! (Maybe I Don’t Got This) Award

F. The Dead Know Nothing Award

G. Excited But Need to See It (Marty Supreme Award)**

4. Special Community Shout-Out: The Killa Mentality Award

Notable Quotes & Moments

Timestamps for Key Segments

Episode Tone and Closing

For full Celtics recaps, unique analogies, and endearing long-winded awards—and for anyone who needs to know why Jaylen Brown is the front-runner for MVP in Boston—this episode is a must.

Summary

Green With Envy: 2025 Awards – Episode Summary

Key Segments, Topics, and Insights

1. Holiday Catch-Up and Celtics State of Play

2. Jaylen Brown’s MVP Case: In-Depth Analysis

3. The 2025 “Obscure, Long-Winded” Green With Envy Awards

A. The Random Cousin Energy Award

B. Grandpa’s Big Secret Award

C. It’s On My Plate, So I’ll Eat It (But I Don't Really Like It) Award

D. We Probably Shouldn’t Have Three Dogs and a Baby Under One Roof Award

E. I Got This! (Maybe I Don’t Got This) Award

F. The Dead Know Nothing Award

G. Excited But Need to See It (Marty Supreme Award)**

4. Special Community Shout-Out: The Killa Mentality Award

Notable Quotes & Moments

Timestamps for Key Segments

Episode Tone and Closing

For full Celtics recaps, unique analogies, and endearing long-winded awards—and for anyone who needs to know why Jaylen Brown is the front-runner for MVP in Boston—this episode is a must.