Welcome to First to the Floor, a Boston Celtics channel bringing you levelheaded overreactions, occasional coherent analysis, and a few laughs (we hope). The First to the Floor team, Ben Vallis, Jake Issenberg, and Wayne Spooney, might not be traditional members of the media, but that’s some of our charm. As part of the CLNS Network, we have unique access to great guests like Abby Chin, Chris Forsberg, Drew Carter, and sometimes we even let Barstool’s Dan Greenberg join. No matter how you like your Celtics content, we’ve got you covered. Between full-length pods, live game watch-a-longs, articles for Celticsblog, clips, and film breakdowns, let us be your spot for everything Celtics. We aren’t in this for the money (otherwise we’d all be homeless by now), we do it because it’s fun. And what makes it fun is interacting with our listeners. F2TF isn’t just a podcast, it’s a community. So, jump into the community, join the Discord, subscribe on YouTube and your favorite podcast app. 🕒Check out this week's underrated plays vid: https://youtu.be/aiSOMrMsX1k 🎙️Subscribe to the podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/first-to-the-floor-a-boston-celtics-podcast/id1351038879 📷Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/firsttothefloor18/ 🍀Watch live Celtics games with us: https://playback.tv/celticsblog 😮Check out Spooney's latest column on CelticsBlog: https://bit.ly/3UCITHv 🚨JOIN OUR DISCORD SERVER: https://discord.gg/H75UWjmtya 👕Buy our MERCH, Support the show!: https://bit.ly/fttfmerch
Ranking Brad Stevens' Mistakes as Celtics President
Brad Stevens is basically a god in the eyes of Celtics fans, but he's been far from perfect. 🎧Subscribe to the audio podcast: https://bit.ly/4e5auYC 📷Follow us on Instagram: / firsttothefloor18 ✍️Check out Spooney's work on CelticsBlog: https://bit.ly/3zotdzs 📝Check out Jake's work on CelticsBlog: https://bit.ly/3zlVVko 👕Buy our MERCH, Support the show!: https://bit.ly/fttfmerch 💚JOIN THE PATREON: / firsttothefloor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Why Celtics Fans Shouldn’t Panic About LeBron to the Sixers | Jordan Walsh Extension & Tatum's Leadership Comments
LeBron James has officially signed with the Philadelphia 76ers on a minimum deal, joining Jaylen Brown, Joel Embiid, and Tyrese Maxey to create the most hateable roster in the Eastern Conference. But should Celtics fans actually be worried? Spoony and Jake break down why Philly’s top-heavy, high-usage build might look scary on paper but comes with massive fit, depth, and health question marks. Plus, we dive into Brad Stevens’ long-term vision of "possession maxing," the Jordan Walsh extension steals, Mitchell Robinson’s impact, and Jayson Tatum’s pointed comments on leadership. In this episode, we cover: [01:46] LeBron to the Sixers: Sizing up Philly’s new superteam, usage rate clashes, hate-watching potential, and why regular season depth beats a fragile top end. [09:00] The Celtics' Big Picture Strategy: Brad Stevens' focus on depth, possession margins, roster optionality, and those valuable future draft picks. [13:40] Boston Live Show Announcement! We’re planning a live show in Boston this November — details on how to get on the headcount list. [22:00] Regular Season Machine vs. Playoff Ceilings: Why Boston is built to rack up regular season wins while Philly faces title-or-bust pressure. [26:40] Frontcourt Depth & Young Upside: Mitchell Robinson’s fit, Hugo Gonzalez’s trajectory, and Jayson Tatum’s return to full health. [39:25] Tatum’s Leadership Comments: Analyzing Jayson Tatum’s recent camp quotes about leadership and whether there was a message behind the words. [51:25] Jordan Walsh Extension Breakdown: Why securing Walsh on a team-friendly deal is another masterclass in modern cap management. Get Involved: 🎟️ Boston Live Show (Nov 2026): Join our Discord or drop us a DM on Twitter/X to let us know if you're coming so we can finalize venue sizing! 💬 Join the Community: Hop into the Discord for live chat during games, episode discussions, and off-season takes. ⭐️ Enjoying the show? Don't forget to like, subscribe, leave a 5-star review, and share with fellow Celtics fans! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Jaylen Brown Appreciation Show
Lebron reaction will be up later today. All the trade talk has simmered down, and we're left with a gaping hole in the fabric of modern Celtics culture. It's time to stop and celebrate the Jaylen Brown era. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Summer League Grades, getting under the tax, and Brad Beal rumors
Jake and Sam LaFrance dish out grades for the 2026 Celtics Summer League team. Plus, where do the Celtics rank in the East in the upcoming NBA season? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Chris Cenac Jr. looks like a young Chris Bosh
Did the Celtics happen to nail the draft this year (again...?) ? Chris Cenac Jr is showing genuine promise after three summer league games. Plus, other Celtics news and the Lebron James "decision part 3" situation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Thank God Summer League is Here
Dan (Greenie) Greenberg joins Jake Issenberg and Wayne Spooney to discuss Game 1 of the Celtics' Summer League campaign, plus Greenie gives his thoughts on the Jaylen Brown trade. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jaylen's influence on the trade, plus.. SUMMER LEAGUE!
According to recent reports, Jaylen Brown may have left the Boston Celtics with no choice but to trade him to the Philadelphia 76ers. Also... Summer League preview! Finally some basketball again. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Defending the Jaylen Trade is Easy
Brad Stevens and Bill Chisolm met with the media yesterday to try and explain why the Boston Celtics traded Jaylen Brown, but people still aren't getting it. Why can't people understand the logic of this trade, and what are the major arguments for and against it? 🎧Subscribe to the audio podcast: https://bit.ly/4e5auYC 📷Follow us on Instagram: / firsttothefloor18 ✍️Check out Spooney's work on CelticsBlog: https://bit.ly/3zotdzs 📝Check out Jake's work on CelticsBlog: https://bit.ly/3zlVVko 👕Buy our MERCH, Support the show!: https://bit.ly/fttfmerch 💚JOIN THE PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/cw/firsttothefloor Download the PrizePicks app today and use code CLNS to get $50 in lineups after you play your first $5 lineup! That’s code CLNS to get $50 in lineups after you play your first $5 lineup! PrizePicks. A Preferred Partner of the NBA. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Ripple Effect of the Jaylen Brown Trade
The Jaylen Brown trade just keeps on giving. It's been a few days now, and new details and rumors continue to emerge. Why do the Celtics think they're better without JB? Did Brad Stevens or Jayson Tatum make the call? What else is going on here? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Reality of the Jaylen Brown Trade
The Boston Celtics have traded Jaylen Brown for Paul George, two first-round picks, and two seconds -- and the Celtics fan base is COMPLETELY divided as a result. WHY would Brad Stevens make this trade? What are the Celtics thinking? We're covering all the angles, the good, the bad, and why it kiiiind of makes sense if you think about it. #prizepicks Download the PrizePicks app today and use code CLNS to get $50 in lineups after you play your first $5 lineup! That’s code CLNS to get $50 in lineups after you play your first $5 lineup! PrizePicks. A Preferred Partner of the NBA. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Ranking Jaylen Brown trade packages (including not trading him at all)
Something's up -- after all the 'Jaylen for Giannis' rumors, it really does seem like a Jaylen Brown trade inevitable, as much as we'd like to see him stay a Celtic. How do the rumored trade packages rank up, and where does not trading him at all rank among those? Plus, Ron Harper Jr.'s contract extension, and the Celtics' new draft picks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
No Giannis, so what's next for the Celtics?
Brad Stevens and the Celtics front office had to draw the line when it came to coughing up the assets Milwaukee wanted for Giannis. So what now for the Celtics? Is the Jaylen Brown situation salvageable, or is there another trade looming? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
More Giannis news, Unexpected Knicks respect, and Aus vs USA World Cup banter
Spooney and Jake are joined by Sam LaFrance of the How 'Bout Them Celtics pod to discuss all the latest Giannis trade rumors, some unexpected feelings of respect for the Knicks, and the First to the Floor cup aka Australia vs USA at the World Cup. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Giannis to Boston Rumors Are Getting Too Real
Seems like Brad Stevens and the Boston Celtics might be back in on Giannis, or is it all just posturing to make Pat Riley and the Miami Heat overpay? Plus, an NBA Finals Recap -- Can Wemby and the Spurs keep the series alive? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
What a Knicks title might mean for the Celtics
Jake and Spooney talk about the impending doom of a Knicks championship and what the Celtics need to do to get back to the top of the mountain. With that in mind, they'll talk some additional big man targets and the draft. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Solving the Center Rotation, and an NBA Finals Preview
Brad Stevens needs to improve the Celtics' front court this offseason, and there's quite a few options available to him. Big swing for Giannis, or a platoon of capable bigs with differing specialities? Plus, Wemby is in the Finals! An NBA Finals preview, and much more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Celtics Nightmare Scenario Is Actually Happening
Jaylen Brown made 2nd team All-NBA, but the mood is sour as the Knicks are on the verge of making the NBA Finals. Plus, Derrick White finally gets all-defense acknowledgement, Wemby is awesome, and much more. Can't watch the pod live on YouTube? Find us on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your pods. There are some alarmingly incredible talents emerging around the NBA right around the time when the Tatum and Brown Celtics are hunting their second championship. What do the Celtics need to do to re-enter championship contention? Plus, Jaylen Brown vs Steven A Smith, and ranking what moments might still happen in the Jays era. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wemby is awesome but where do the Celtics go from here?
There are some alarmingly incredible talents emerging around the NBA right around the time when the Tatum and Brown Celtics are hunting their second championship. What do the Celtics need to do to re-enter championship contention? Plus, Jaylen Brown vs Steven A Smith, and ranking what moments might still happen in the Jays era. 🎧Subscribe to the audio podcast: https://bit.ly/4e5auYC 📷Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/firsttothefloor18/ ✍️Check out Spooney's work on CelticsBlog: https://bit.ly/3zotdzs 📝Check out Jake's work on CelticsBlog: https://bit.ly/3zlVVko 👕Buy our MERCH, Support the show!: https://bit.ly/fttfmerch 💚JOIN THE PATREON: https://patreon.com/firsttothefloor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Exit Interviews: Derrick White & Payton Pritchard
What would you ask Derrick White and Payton Pritchard now that the season is over? Jake and Spooney dive into this in part 2 of our Exit Interviews series. Plus, has interest in Giannis dulled after Myles Turner's recent comments? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Exit Interviews: Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown
Kicking off our offseason exit interview series. What would you (hypothetically) ask Tatum and Brown at the conclusion of this season? Plus, a vibe-check after the Knicks sweep the Sixers, and much more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Producer's note
Steal the structure. Not the show.
Keep the useful structure, then change the audience, point of view, and voice until the idea is unmistakably yours.
