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About Paul Flannery

Paul Flannery began his journalism career answering phones at the Boston Herald before embarking on a cross-country odyssey that included stops in Oregon, Virginia and Philadelphia. He then returned home to Boston, where he was the online editor at Boston magazine and began covering the Celtics in 2008. Flannery also contributes to the Phoenix and teaches sports journalism at Boston University.

 
COLUMNS
Paul Flannery
01/26/2009 - 3:32pm
It all comes back to defense
Ask the Celtics a question, and they will inevitably respond with an answer about their defense. Ask them about their improved bench play: Defense. Ask about Eddie House hitting 3’s: Defense. Ask if they prefer Robert DeLeo or John Rogers to replace Sal DiMasi as Speaker of the House: You get the idea.
Paul Flannery
01/21/2009 - 5:56am
Are The Celtics Back?
When a beatdown the likes of which the Celtics laid on the Suns takes place, it leaves a man with three options. He can: 1. Contemplate a world in which the Celtics mascot dunks from a trampoline on a late-night talk show (and gets booed) and wonder, really, what Red would have thought if he saw the Celtics dancers, Lucky, and/or Gino at the Garden today.
Paul Flannery
01/15/2009 - 1:17pm
An NBA Season that is Halfway to Fantastic
A Zen koan for you all: What is the midway point of the NBA season?
Paul Flannery
01/12/2009 - 6:31pm
The Celtics at the Midway Point
On Wednesday the Celtics will reach the midway point of their season and about the only thing we know for sure at this point is that they are not as bad as they’ve been in 2009, and they weren’t as good as they were at the end of 2008. In other words, the Celtics are somewhere between the Jordan-era Bulls and the every-era Clippers.
Paul Flannery
12/29/2008 - 10:00am
Red Letter Day
"But to put all our eggs in one basket, to say this is the game we have circled. We circle all games." -- Kevin Garnett, Dec. 23, 2008.
Paul Flannery
12/18/2008 - 5:01am
Life Beyond the Celtics: The Grass Is NOT Greener
Covering a team that never loses means that it’s important to realize there is basketball life beyond Rte. 128. It’s a big world out there. Let’s dive in… Item: The Sixers fired Mo Cheeks after a 9-14 start, bringing the number of fired coaches to six. To look at it another way, 20 percent of the NBA’s coaches have been fired a little more than 25 percent into the season. Or to look at it yet another way, first-year Knicks coach Mike D’Antoni is now the third-longest tenured coach in the Atlantic Division.
Paul Flannery
12/11/2008 - 5:18am
Are the Celtics Better than Last Year?
The talk began around Thanksgiving, after the Celtics destroyed the Philadelphia 76ers by 24 points on Nov. 28. It picked up last week when the C’s were beating Orlando by 19, Indiana by 18 and an up-and-coming Portland team by 15 in game that wasn’t really that close.
Paul Flannery
12/09/2008 - 10:18am
Flannery Breaks It Down With Free Darko
If you are a regular reader of Free Darko, you already know about The Macrophenomenal Pro Basketball Almanac. For the uninitiated, Free Darko is an online collective, consisting of oddly named characters like Bethlehem Shoals, Big Baby Belafonte, Brown Recluse, Esq., Dr. Lawyer Indianchief and Silverbird5000. They are, essentially, more than just a little bit off-beat fans of the NBA, which is different than being basketball fans in general, or fans of an individual team, in particular.
Paul Flannery
11/24/2008 - 10:18am
The Return of the Green Machine
After the Celtics escaped Milwaukee with an overtime win on Nov. 15, they stood at 9-2 on the young season. They had just completed an arduous stretch in which they played eight games in 12 days, and won seven of those. But something didn’t feel right about the Celtics’ solid start as defending champions. Sure, they were winning games, but often they played from behind or needed dramatic fourth quarter flourishes by Paul Pierce to make it happen. The buzzer-to-buzzer blowouts that characterized the 2007-08 season seemed like a thing of the past.
Paul Flannery
11/10/2008 - 2:15am
That's Leon Pow!
“I'm more struck at the fact that Leon (Pow) gets more foul shots than our whole team does in 14 minutes of play. That's ridiculous. I have no question about the fact that my players got fouled but didn't get to the line. It's the illusion that's created. The referees referee an illusion." Lakers coach Phil Jackson after Game 2 of the NBA Finals.
Paul Flannery
11/04/2008 - 10:18am
KG: The Revolutionary
In the November issue of Boston magazine, I wrote about Kevin Garnett and how his career fits within the burgeoning basketball sabermetric community. The central premise of the piece is that Garnett’s career has been unfairly judged by a jury not of his peers who take the central accomplishment of winning a championship as the end-all and be-all of determining the worth of star players.
Paul Flannery
10/29/2008 - 2:11am
Pierce's Tears Told the Tale
We ask a lot of the athletes in this town. We want them to perform, of course, but even more than that, we want them to care as much as we do.  Last night as the Celtics raised their 17th championship banner, Paul Pierce showed how much he cared. As John Havlicek presented him with the Lawrence O’Brien Trophy, tears were clearly visible in the Pierce’s eyes, and when he took the microphone to address the crowd, there was no doubt. The man was more than choked up.  He was having his, “We love ya Cooz” moment.
Paul Flannery
10/28/2008 - 3:11am
What It All Means
Mike Gorman loves to tell the story from the summer of 2007, a few days after the Celtics had acquired Kevin Garnett. The longtime broadcaster was en route to the State House for the team’s Heroes Among Us banquet. It was raining and Gorman was running late, so he did what any of us would have done—he busted out and made an illegal turn. Out of the darkness a state trooper emerged.
Paul Flannery
10/27/2008 - 3:11am
Champs Still Class of the East
If the West was a mind-blowing trip through the pastiche of day-glo psychedelia, the East is a can of Pabst and a shot of Wild Turkey. The mantra here is de-fense, de-fense and is personified by the collection of journeymen players turned coaches such as Scott Skiles, Sam Mitchell and new Pistons head man, Michael Curry. 
Paul Flannery
10/24/2008 - 10:18am
The West Will Be No Easy Ride in 2008-09
The West is the best. That’s what drunken pseudo-poet Jim Morrison once told us, and while it’s advisable not to take his advice too often (dropping psychedelics in the desert is really only useful for producing a half-decent episode of Entourage) the Lizard King was right about this one. The Western Conference race is going to be crazier than Ron Artest.
Paul Flannery
10/21/2008 - 10:18am
Getting the Point
It’s early in the first quarter, but the Nets have already tipped their hand. They’re going to be playing off the point guard and looking to help on the Celtics stars. Gabe Pruitt, in his second year out of USC and getting his first extended run with the top unit, recognizes the defense and knocks down a 3-pointer. Over on the Celtics bench, Doc Rivers allows himself a little smile.
Paul Flannery
10/06/2008 - 10:18am
Reconsider Me: The Legacy of Paul Pierce
Winning a world championship gets you a lot of things-a big shiny trophy, a Duck Boat parade, face time with Stuart Scott. It also gets you validation. It is a strange world we live in when Charles Barkley and Karl Malone have the lack of a title engraved on their hoops tombstone, but Pat Cummings gets off scot-free. Which brings us to Paul Pierce. Before last season, the Captain was never placed in the celestial orbit with Sir Charles and The Mailman. Good player? Yup. Very good player? No question. Star? Sure. Superstar? Eh.
Paul Flannery
09/30/2008 - 10:18am
Rondo is Ready to Step Up
Rajon Rondo does not lack for confidence. When the basketball world wondered how an untested second-year player would handle running an offense with three future Hall of Famers, Rondo shrugged and wondered, "Why all the fuss?" When the playoffs began and everyone wondered how Rondo would handle the increased attention Rondo shrugged and said, “Just watch.”


Audio On Demand

Pete Prisco Tim Tebow can…

Pete Prisco Tim Tebow cant play

Pete joined the show to discuss Tebow's signing with the Patriots. He said that Tim Tebow cant play and that he has trouble learning NFL playbooks.

It Is What It Is Cast, Jeff Howe

On this episode of the It Is What It Is Cast, Chris Price talks with the Boston Herald's Jeff P Howe about the Patriots offseason, Rob Gronkowski's back surgery, Danny Amendola replacing Wes Welker, and how this seasons team will stack up against last seasons.

It Is What Is Cast: Injury Expert Will Carroll

In the latest edition of the It Is What It Is Cast, Chris Price talks with Will Carroll. Injury expert and lead writer for Sports Medicine, Bleacher Report. They talk about the injury to Rob Gronkowski and what his back surgery could mean for his season.

Jeff Van Gundy on Doc and…

Jeff Van Gundy on Doc and the Celtics

Jeff joined the show to discuss the rumors of Doc heading to the Clippers. Jeff said that he will not discuss his future but that his brother would be a great candidate anywhere.

Stephen A. Smith on Doc to the Clippers

Stephen A. joined the show to discuss the status of trade negotiations between the Clippers and the Celtics. Stephen said that it is a 50-50 proposition that Doc ends up in Los Angeles.

"Celtics Summer Cooler" With Sean Grande and Cedric Maxwell - Hour 2

Grande and Max take more calls on the Celtics and discuss what lies ahead for Doc Rivers with Steve Bulpett.

Red Sox Manager John Farr…

Red Sox Manager John Farrell with Salk and Holley

We check in with Red Sox skipper John Farrell for our weekly Sox update and get the latest on the injury to Clay Buchholz, and a whole lot more.

John Farrell postgame press conference

John Farrell postgame press conference

Jonny Gomes postgame with Joe & Dave after the second Rays game

Joe & Dave talked to the Sox outfielder, who pounded the ball out of the park to win the second game of the doubleheader against the Rays.

Shawn Thornton on D&C: St…

Shawn Thornton on D&C: Still anybody's series

The Bruins have looked quite good taking a 2-1 lead on the Blackhawks, but Shawn Thornton says the team is not getting ahead of itself. Thornton also talks about what makes Patrice Bergeron such a great player and teammate. He also squeezes in a few shots at his friend Keegan Bradley.

Pierre McGuire, NBC Sports, on the Stanley Cup Finals

Pierre McGuire joins Mut and Merloni after a Bruins win and discusses the play of Rask and the defense, the Hossa injury, and Jagr.

Tony Amonte, CSNNE: on Hossa injury

Tony Amonte calls out Marian Hossa for missing Game 3 and recaps the Bruins win.

Shawn Thornton on D&C: St…

Shawn Thornton on D&C: Still anybody's series

The Bruins have looked quite good taking a 2-1 lead on the Blackhawks, but Shawn Thornton says the team is not getting ahead of itself. Thornton also talks about what makes Patrice Bergeron such a great player and teammate. He also squeezes in a few shots at his friend Keegan Bradley.

Keegan Bradley joins D&C live at the Travelers Championship in Connecticut

Keegan Bradley hopped on the set in Connecticut with D&C to talk some golf, but seeing as how he's a big Boston sports fan, the interview covered a lot of ground. You can hear Keegan talk about the Bruins' Cup chances, the Doc Rivers deal that almost was, and Shawn Thornton's lacking golf game.

SI's Michael McCann breaks down the Aaron Hernandez situation

Legal expert Michael McCann joined D&C to take on the topic of the day: Just what exactly is happening with Aaron Hernandez? McCann addressed Hernandez' lack of cooperation in the investigation so far, and how that may play out as the case moves along.

LB talks Bruins Blackhawk…

LB talks Bruins Blackhawks in studio

LB joins Mut and Merloni and discusses the Stanley Cup Finals and takes phone calls from listeners.

Mut and Merloni respond to the Boston Herald

Despite many other important newsworthy items, the Boston Herald decided it was appropriate to put a story about Mut and Lou sending a vulgar cake to a Chicago radio station on the front page of today’s paper. Mut and Merloni respond, make it clear it was just a good natured joke and not meant to offend anyone.

Buster Olney, ESPN, on the struggles of Andrew Bailey

Buster joins the program to discuss the problems of Andrew Bailey, what closers are available in the market, the Buchholz injury, and the latest in the biogensis scandal.

Aaron Hernandez questione…

Aaron Hernandez questioned in murder probe: Is the 'Patriot Way' a thing of the past?

We talk about the developing Aaron Hernandez story line and look at it from the context of 'the Patriot Way', the theory that the Patriots only deal with high character athletes. Is that Patriot way gone? Did it ever even exist? We discuss.

An hour with Jack Edwards: Blackhawks will not go down without a fight

We check in with Jack Edwards live on location for an hour of Stanley Cup preview. Jack warns us all not to get overconfident, the Bruins haven't won anything yet.

NHL Network's Kathryn Tappen with Salk and Holley

We talk pucks with the lovely and talented Kathryn Tappen of the NHL Network and preview game 4 of the Stanley Cup final and beyond.

Bernie Carbo

Bernie Carbo

Mikey gets a surprise call from Red Sox legend Bernie Carbo. They talk about old-time baseball and Bernie's new book.

Tom Bean and Luke Poling, producers, writers and directors of 'Plimpton!'

Mikey talks with Tom and Luke about their new movie, "Plimpton!" and finds out what it was like to try to encapsulate everything George Plimpton accomplished during his life.

Daily Planet, Friday May 31st

Today on the Daily Planet, the Red Sox and Yankees face off in the Bronx, Claude Julien doesn't want players wasting energy, and Dwight Howard and free agency.

Salk and Holley's Answer …

Salk and Holley's Answer the Question - 06/19/13

You ask us, we answer it. Or you ask Jack, he answers it.

Salk and Holley's Answer the Question - 06/17/13

You ask, we answer. Today featuring NESN's Jack Edwards.

Salk and Holley's Answer the Question - 06/13/13

The new way we end the show. You ask, we answer.

SI's Michael McCann break…

SI's Michael McCann breaks down the Aaron Hernandez situation

Legal expert Michael McCann joined D&C to take on the topic of the day: Just what exactly is happening with Aaron Hernandez? McCann addressed Hernandez' lack of cooperation in the investigation so far, and how that may play out as the case moves along.

More from this show

Don Cherry on the Stanley…

Don Cherry on the Stanley Cup

Don Cherry joined the show to discuss the Cup finals. He said that he still thinks the Bruins will win the series over Chicago. Grapes added that he would not give Evgeni Malkin a dime and called him a loser.

More from this show

It's SAUCE, SAUCE-MAN, JO…

It's SAUCE, SAUCE-MAN, JOHN SAUCIER... AND MORE SAUCE!

John Saucier has his first hosting gig today and gets things started with some background on how his Sauce-man style has been wrecking things on the Boston airwaves

More from this show

Pierre McGuire of NBC Spo…

Pierre McGuire of NBC Sports analyzes the Stanley Cup finals

Pierre McGuire joins Mut and Merloni after a Bruins win and discusses the play of Rask and the defense, the Hossa injury and Jagr.

More from this show

Shawn Thornton on D&C: St…

Shawn Thornton on D&C: Still anybody's series

The Bruins have looked quite good taking a 2-1 lead on the Blackhawks, but Shawn Thornton says the team is not getting ahead of itself. Thornton also talks about what makes Patrice Bergeron such a great player and teammate. He also squeezes in a few shots at his friend Keegan Bradley.

More from this show

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