How 2018 playoffs will get the 2019 Celtics close to Banner 18; Ian Thomsen on his new book, and how the Celtics helped shape LeBron James

Kyle Draper and A. Sherrod Blakely are joined in this episode by Ian Thomsen to discuss the Celtics/Bucks series, a big picture look at where Boston is right now in the NBA landscape, and his new book, “The Soul of Basketball”.

Complete show notes:

(:30) Kyle and Sherrod talk about the first two games of the series against the Bucks, and how the lack of fight and organization from a talented Bucks’ team has been the most noticeable factor so far.

(4:57) Ian Thomsen joins the pod, and starts off talking about how the Bucks need to win the next four games, because there’s now way they’re winning a Game 7 in Boston. (6:30) Ian weighs-in on the Terry Rozier/Eric Bledsoe “feud”. (8:25) Jaylen Brown has been huge for the C’s so far, Thomsen talks about how impressed he’s been with the 2nd year guard this season. (10:44) While in some respects, the logjam of point guards the Celtics have had has hurt Terry Rosier, the benefits have also been great in some aspects, including how to be a leader. Ian references Avery Bradley as a mentor to Rosier on his inconsistent minutes. Thomsen talks about the number of role models and culture the Celtics have built. (12:29) The discussion then moves to how this postseason and the experience the Celtics young players are getting could be a huge factor in Boston being a contender next year, when their health hopefully returns. Ian talks about the only factor that could derail this thinking. (15:00) Thomsen talks about what Danny Ainge might do with Marcus Smart and Terry Rozier, and the possibility they could be used in a trade for Anthony Davis. (16:40) Thomsen then talks about his new book “The Soul of Basketball”, and how Paul Pierce and the Celtics shaped the last 7-8 years of the NBA. Thomsen gives us some great nuggets on the 2010 behind the scenes drama with Rajon Rondo and Ray Allen. Ian’s of the opinion that Paul Pierce, the Celtics, and the 2007 NBA Draft lottery had a lot to do with LeBron’s decision to leave Cleveland for Miami.

(25:00) Kyle and Sherrod take a quick trip around the NBA playoffs, discussing the Cavs/Pacers series, along with OKC/Utah and New Orleans/Portland.

Find Ian Thomsen on Twitter @IanThomsen | More Twitter Follows: @ASherrodBlakely @KyleDraperTV @NBCSceltics

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