Podcast Summary: The Ringer NBA Show – "Celtics City" and the History of an Iconic Franchise. Plus, Director Lauren Stowell on Telling the Story of the Boston Celtics

Release Date: March 5, 2025

Introduction

In this special episode of The Ringer NBA Show, hosts Michael Pina and Howard Beck delve deep into the newly released nine-part documentary series, "Celtics City," which premiered on Max on March 3rd. Produced by HBO Sports Documentaries, Ringer Films, and Words and Pictures, and executive produced by Bill Simmons and Connor Schell, the documentary offers an unfiltered look into the storied history of the Boston Celtics franchise.

Michael Pina (01:22):
"Today, we'll be having a conversation about the new nine-part documentary series 'Celtics City'... Later in this episode, our buddy Woz is going to interview the director of Celtic City, Lauren Stowell, which you'll definitely want to stick around for."

Howard Beck’s Perspective on the Celtics

Howard Beck shares his unique viewpoint as someone who grew up in California, emotionally detached from NBA franchises, contrasting with Michael Pina's lifelong Boston Celtics fandom.

Howard Beck (03:13):
"I am completely emotionally detached from any and all NBA franchises, players, coaches, teams, cities... My favorite team growing up was the Harlem Globetrotters."

Beck recounts his first significant interaction with the Celtics during his tenure as a Lakers beat writer, highlighting the profound influence of players like Rick Fox.

Beck (03:13):
"Rick Fox is wired that way he joins the Lakers and he chooses the number 17 because... I feel like the gravity of what it means to have been associated with either of these franchises."

Impact of "Celtics City" on Personal Views

Michael Pina discusses how the documentary intertwines the Celtics' legacy with Boston's socio-cultural evolution, addressing issues like racism, segregation, and community progressiveness.

Michael Pina (06:21):
"This documentary captures so much of what the city is and how it's evolved and why it's so ugly. From racism to busing to segregation... it's making you come at it from a different perspective."

Howard Beck appreciates the documentary's unvarnished portrayal of the Celtics, emphasizing its balance between celebrating the franchise and addressing its complex history.

Howard Beck (09:40):
"They didn't waste any time. From just a journalistic perspective and as a viewer, these teams and these players exist in a context... it embraced it."

Historic Moments and "What If" Scenarios

The conversation delves into pivotal "what if" moments in Celtics history, exploring how different outcomes could have reshaped the NBA landscape.

Michael Pina (15:36):
"What if Len Bias doesn't overdose, if Reggie Lewis doesn't die of a heart issue... These things are just really fascinating to me."

Howard Beck (25:15):
"What could Len Bias' career have been? Imagine if Michael Jordan never existed. What would the NBA be like today?"

Key Figures and Their Legacies

The hosts discuss the monumental contributions of figures like Bill Russell, Red Auerbach, Larry Bird, and Kevin Garnett, emphasizing their foundational roles in shaping not only the Celtics but the entire NBA.

Michael Pina (37:05):
"I thought you'd say why is it Peyton Pritchard? Is this an obvious no, I think it's almost a tie or it's hard to split hairs on this because it has to be Bill Russell."

Howard Beck (37:34):
"Bill Russell set the template... the way he approached the game and the selflessness... it's a legacy that carries through to today’s superstars."

The dynamic rivalry between the Celtics and the Lakers is also a focal point, highlighting the enduring passion and bitterness that fuels their storied competitions.

Michael Pina (17:25):
"Larry Bird has a quote where he's basically like, if you don't play for the Boston Celtics, you don't play professional basketball."

Howard Beck (18:29):
"Larry Bird or Paul Pierce... they internalize it so deeply that he can say that with a straight face and absolutely mean it, and I respect it."

Emotional Resonance and Personal Reflections

Both hosts reflect on the emotional aspects of being a Celtics fan and a journalist covering the team, touching on moments of joy, anguish, and the human condition intertwined with sports.

Michael Pina (60:27):
"Everybody always remembers when things go well, but this shows the difficult parts. You have to take the good with the bad. You have to take the journey."

Howard Beck (50:06):
"Seeing the pure human euphoria or anguish... passion drives sports and the entire thing."

Beck shares a poignant moment witnessing Jerry West's enduring pain and bitterness, illustrating the deep-seated emotions that drive legendary rivalries.

Michael Pina (57:34):
"Jerry West has a quote about the 1969 finals where he says, 'They were not the better team. They were not the better team... that is why we do this.'"

Howard Beck (58:05):
"Without fans, there's no point to it all. It's about the passion and the human element."

Interview with Director Lauren Stowell

In the latter part of the episode, Big Woz (Wosny Lambre) interviews Lauren Stowell, the director of "Celtics City," shedding light on her motivations and the documentary's broader societal implications.

Big Woz (61:32):
"I was like, man, these guys have my attention... seeing a black woman directing this documentary brings a fresh perspective."

Lauren Stowell (64:29):
"We can tell the story of America through the Boston Celtics... it's a story of black empowerment in America."

Stowell elaborates on the documentary's exploration of the Celtics' role in black empowerment, highlighting the contributions of players like Bill Russell, Kevin Garnett, and Jaylen Brown.

Lauren Stowell (67:19):
"Bill Russell and Chuck Cooper being the first black player drafted by the Celtics... from Bill all the way to Kevin Garnett to Jaylen Brown today."

She emphasizes the unvarnished portrayal of Boston's racial history and the Celtics' influence in fostering unity and progress.

Lauren Stowell (73:02):
"We had to confront the question of why Boston has the perception of being a racist city... the image of Ted Landsmark being attacked juxtaposed with the Celtics' unifying championships."

Stowell also discusses the challenges and triumphs of interviewing key figures like Larry Bird and Kevin Garnett, ensuring their stories and legacies are authentically represented.

Lauren Stowell (84:52):
"KG is the most intense human being... he embodies the dedication, love of the game, and professionalism that the Celtics stand for."

Conclusion

The episode wraps up with heartfelt reflections on the Celtics' journey, their impact on Boston, and the enduring legacy captured in "Celtics City." The hosts express their admiration for the documentary’s comprehensive storytelling and its ability to convey the profound human emotions tied to the franchise.

Michael Pina (60:27):
"We have to recognize that it did [unify the city]."

Howard Beck (60:55):
"This was a phenomenal journey. Thank you. Good to be on it with you."

Lauren Stowell (96:41):
"If you think you know everything about the Celtics, you might not actually know. There's truth, beauty, hope, and tragedy in this film."

Notable Quotes

• Howard Beck (03:13):
  "I am completely emotionally detached from any and all NBA franchises, players, coaches, teams, cities."

• Michael Pina (17:25):
  "Larry Bird has a quote where he's basically like, if you don't play for the Boston Celtics, you don't play professional basketball."

• Howard Beck (25:15):
  "What could Len Bias' career have been? Imagine if Michael Jordan never existed. What would the NBA be like today?"

• Lauren Stowell (64:29):
  "We can tell the story of America through the Boston Celtics... it's a story of black empowerment in America."

• Michael Pina (48:05):
  "We were fucking shit up, and if we played today, we'd be fucking shit up today."

Final Thoughts

"Celtics City" serves as a definitive chronicle of the Boston Celtics, intertwining the franchise's rich history with the broader socio-cultural fabric of Boston. Through candid interviews and unflinching honesty, the documentary portrays the Celtics not just as a basketball team, but as a pivotal force in American sports and society. This episode of The Ringer NBA Show masterfully highlights the documentary's depth, ensuring both long-time fans and newcomers gain a comprehensive understanding of the Celtics' enduring legacy.