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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
01/17/2012 - 2:42am
The Celtics problems are not about Perk
Before Kendrick Perkins’ emotional return to Boston, the Celtics had played 38 regular season games. They had won 19 and lost 19 with a disappointing second-round loss to Miami in between.
Paul Flannery
01/14/2012 - 2:03am
Is this the beginning of the Celtics season, or the beginning of the end?
Doc Rivers arrived early to his postgame press conference. That was in direct contrast to his team who showed up late again. For the fourth straight game, the Celtics began play as if they were still going through shootaround. There was little energy, less rhythm and most importantly, few points.
Paul Flannery
01/12/2012 - 9:00pm
Three things the Celtics must do better
WALTHAM – Talk is cheap when you’re 4-5 and all four of your wins are against the dregs of the Eastern Conference. The Celtics know this, but you have to excuse them if they retain their confidence while everyone else is jumping off the bandwagon.
Paul Flannery
01/12/2012 - 3:01am
This is Rajon Rondo's team, now he needs help
The Celtics, as we knew them, are not here yet. The Celtics, as we knew them, would have found a way to beat a team on the second night of a back-to-back when the Garden was buzzing in anticipation of a dramatic comeback. They would get a stop.
Paul Flannery
01/11/2012 - 12:44am
Celtics search for an identity
WALTHAM -- On Wednesday night when the Mavericks make their only visit to Boston, it will be a matchup not of two heavyweights but of two .500 teams who are trying to remain relevant while planning major changes for the future.
Paul Flannery
01/07/2012 - 2:16am
The choice David West didn't have to make
Like everyone else, David West was shocked when he heard on NBATV that the Celtics were interested in working out a sign-and-trade deal with New Orleans to acquire his services.
Paul Flannery
01/05/2012 - 2:53am
Avery Bradley: The making of a defensive stopper
Paul Flannery
01/03/2012 - 1:59am
He's Greg Stiemsma and he's a shot blocker
Doc Rivers didn’t know what to expect from Greg Stiemsma when he told the 26-year-old rookie he would be in the starting lineup for the Celtics when they played the Wizards on Monday night. That’s not entirely true.
Paul Flannery
01/02/2012 - 1:12am
The Three-Pointer: Rajon Rondo revitalized
There are moments in a basketball game when star players have to be at their best. It’s not always at the end of the game when a shot or play can win it or lose it.
Paul Flannery
12/31/2011 - 3:02am
Celtics speak familar language of success
Paul Flannery
12/29/2011 - 2:11am
The Three-Pointer: Bad trends and worrisome signs for Celtics
In his NBA debut, Greg Stiemsma blocked six shots in 17 minutes.
Paul Flannery
12/28/2011 - 2:37am
The Three-Pointer: Time to make choices, not panic
In a normal NBA season, the Celtics could be expected to summon whatever inner strength lies with their ancient, battle-tested bodies and figure out a way to stop a two-game losing streak.
Paul Flannery
12/25/2011 - 5:24pm
The Three-Pointer: Rondo shines but old problems remain
The Celtics packed an entire season of memes into their season-opening 106-104 loss to the Knicks.
Paul Flannery
12/22/2011 - 1:26am
Five key questions for the Celtics
The Celtics enter the 2011-12 season with far less optimism than at any other point in the Big Three/Core Four era.
Paul Flannery
12/20/2011 - 1:00am
A new look for Celtics rotation
There were few jobs more hazardous in the NBA last season than reserve player for the Celtics.
Paul Flannery
12/16/2011 - 1:49am
How much does size matter for Celtics?
A year ago, the Celtics had about 28 feet worth of centers on their roster. This year they don’t even have more than one O’Neal and everyone is worried about their lack of size as the season approaches.
Paul Flannery
12/13/2011 - 10:01pm
Changes all around but big three stay constant
Paul Flannery
12/13/2011 - 2:16am
How Danny Ainge built a roster from scratch
WALTHAM -- When the NBA re-opened for business last Friday, Danny Ainge had six players under contract, no cap room and only a handful of assets he could use to acquire players.
Paul Flannery
12/09/2011 - 11:24pm
Rajon Rondo wins the first day of training camp
WALTHAM – Here’s how the scenario usually unfolds: A player hears his name in high-profile trade rumors. He stays silent, away from the media glare while the 24/7 news cycle descends with all of its brute force and white noise.
Paul Flannery
12/09/2011 - 2:48am
Rajon Rondo and basketball return to Boston
For about three hours on Thursday, Chris Paul was about to become a Laker.
Paul Flannery
12/07/2011 - 5:54pm
Rajon Rondo, Chris Paul and the importance of timing
Here we are, stuck inside the middle of Chris Paul trade rumors with the Rajon Rondo blues again.
Paul Flannery
11/30/2011 - 2:39am
If Celtics want Chris Paul, now is the time
As president and chapter chairman of the Rajon Rondo appreciation society, it pains me to have to say this, but if Danny Ainge can get Chris Paul from New Orleans in a package deal involving Rondo then he has to do it.
Paul Flannery
11/26/2011 - 9:14pm
Open or shut: How Celtics can keep their window open
When last we left the Celtics, they had melted down in South Florida and were headed into an uncertain offseason.
Paul Flannery
11/17/2011 - 12:27am
Peter's Principles: How the Bruins' architect built the Cup champions
Peter Chiarelli doesn’t believe in what ifs, and he’s not sold on luck, either. Take this particular scenario: What if the Bruins had lost Game 7 against Montreal? Had the Bruins lost that game there’s a very real chance that Claude Julien would no longer be coaching the team. Chiarelli?
Paul Flannery
11/04/2011 - 12:50am
Much has changed since last fateful meeting between Patriots, Giants
Tom Coughlin didn’t want to talk about it. Bill Belichick didn’t, either.


Audio On Demand

It Is What It Is Cast: Ex…

It Is What It Is Cast: Examining the New England Patriots offseason

In the latest edition of the "It Is What It Is" podcast, Chris Price and CSNNE's Mike Giardi take a look at the Patriots offseason on both sides of the ball, try and get a handle on which new guys will make an impact first, and whether or not the Patriots have altered their style when it comes to drafting and developing wide receivers.

Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk on Tebow's release

Mike Florio joined the program to discuss the Jets decision to release Tim Tebow, he said the situation is as disaster all around for the Jets and that the problems begins with owner Woody Johnson. Mike also said that he was disappointed with the Pats moving back in the first round.

Mike Petraglia, WEEI.com, Sits Down with Butch Stearns to Help Break Down the Pats Draft

One of the hardest working men in the biz, Mike Petraglia aka "Trags", sits down with Butch Stearns live in Foxborough to help break down all the latest Pats moves. He discusses his reaction to the trade in Round 1 and the guys those picks produced. Also, the boys talk about the decent trade the Pats made in acquiring LeGarrette Blount from Tampa Bay for Jeff Demps and a 7th rounder.

Celtics President Danny A…

Celtics President Danny Ainge with Salk and Holley

We check in with Danny Ainge for our first talk to him since the Celtics season ended last weekend. We talk about the future of the team, KG, Pierce, Doc Rivers and more, as Danny directly answers the rumors being floated by ESPN's Stephen A. Smith.

Jackie MacMullan, ESPNBoston.com: "Gut" tells me Doc will stay

Jackie Mac joins the show to discuss the trade rumors swirling around Paul Pierce, KG, Doc Rivers and the Celtics. She also discusses the future of the Celtics head coach.

ESPN's Stephen A. Smith on his rumored Celtics Clippers trade

Stephen A. joined the program to discuss the trade rumors he has reported regarding a possible trade including Doc Rivers and the Clippers. Stephen A. also told the guys that he has heard that Danny and Doc may be tiring of working together.

Will Middlebrooks with Jo…

Will Middlebrooks with Joe Castiglione & Dave O'Brien live from the dugout

Will Middlebrooks hit a 3-run double in the top of the 9th inning to power the Red Sox to a 4-3 victory over the Rays tonight. He joined Joe & Dave after the final call live from the dugout.

Larry Lucchino on the Sox recent struggles

Larry joined the program to discuss the teams recent struggles and informed the guys that it is still early in the season. Larry also said that he still has faith that Daniel bard can turn things around.

Stephen Drew postgame with Joe and Dave

Stephen Drew helped the Red Sox to a 9-2 victory over the Rays tonight with a grand slam in the 3rd inning. He spoke with Joe Castiglione & Dave O'Brien after the game.

Matt Bartkowski, Bruins D…

Matt Bartkowski, Bruins D: Coaches and teammates have made him comfortable

Bruins rookie defenseman Matt Bartkowski has emerged as one of the young stars of the team and he joins Mut and Tom Caron to discuss his role on the team, why he's confident, and the trade that almost sent him to Calgary.

Andy Brickley, NESN: Keep Bartkowski in lineup

Andy Brickley joins the show to discuss the Bruins Game 1 win over the Rangers, the play of the three young Bruins defensemen, and the fatigue Jagr has shown on the ice.

Pierre McGuire, NBC Sports, on Game 1 Bruins Rangers

Pierre McGuire joins Tom Caron and Mut to discuss the Bruins young defensemen, the intensity and energy level in the game, and the Rangers offense.

Shawn Thornton on his mes…

Shawn Thornton on his message to Seguin in Game 7 against the Leafs

Shawn joined the program to discuss another overtime win for the Bruins. When asked about Game 7 against Toronto, Thornton said that he would like to keep his specific comments in the dressing room private, but acknowledged that he encouraged Tyler Seguin to up his play and it paid off in overtime.

NESN's Barry Pederson on Bruins Rangers game one

Barry joined the guys to help breakdown the Bruins overtime win last night in game one. Barry said that he has rarely seen a team dominate as much as the Bruins yet be forced to an overtime.

Rangers superfan Boomer Esiason on the Bruins game 1 win

Boomer joined the program to discuss the tough loss for his beloved Rangers. Boomer told the guys that Lundqvist will be better in game two and predicted a seven game series.

Matt Bartkowski, Bruins D…

Matt Bartkowski, Bruins D: Coaches and teammates have made him comfortable

Bruins rookie defenseman Matt Bartkowski has emerged as one of the young stars of the team and he joins Mut and Tom Caron to discuss his role on the team, why he's confident, and the trade that almost sent him to Calgary.

Kevin Millar, Former Red Sox 1B, on Sox struggles

Millar joins the show to discuss the recent Sox slide, Jacoby Ellsbury's lack of power, and hitting in the big leagues.

Andy Brickley, NESN: Keep Bartkowski in lineup

Andy Brickley joins the show to discuss the Bruins Game 1 win over the Rangers, the play of the three young Bruins defensemen, and the fatigue Jagr has shown on the ice.

An hour with Jack: Breaki…

An hour with Jack: Breaking down the Bruins OT win over the Rangers with NESN's Jack Edwards

We talk all things game one with Jack Edwards of NESN, and get to hear a little from Jack's Finnish protege as well.

Salk and Holley's Four at Four - 05/17/13

We tackle four topics we haven't yet touched upon today.. Joe Thornton and disappointing former Boston athletes, parking in Boston, buying jersey numbers and more...

Yo Soy Traction! Rob Gronkowski now may need back surgery in addition to his 4th surgery on his injured wrist.

We talk about the report that Rob Gronkowski may now be a candidate for back surgery with a disc problem. Is Gronk just an injury prone guy? Or is he not rehabbing proberly? Can the Pats build an offense around a guy who is so inconsistently on the field? We discuss.

Daily Planet Thursday May…

Daily Planet Thursday May 9th

The Bruins have almost finished raking the Leafs, the Red Sox struggle from the mound, Miami Heat fans show their level of class.

Daily Planet Wednesday May 8th

Daily Planet Wednesday May 8th

Daily Planet Tuesday May 7th

Today on the Daily Planet the Bruins take a 2-1 series lead, the Red Sox get a run-off win, and we hear about cannibals and bible thieves.

Buster Olney, ESPN: Ellsb…

Buster Olney, ESPN: Ellsbury play will hurt him in free agency

Buster Olney joins the show to discuss the muddled AL East, the average play of Ellsbury and how that will affect him in free agency, and Tropicana Field.

More from this show

Linda calls in to describ…

Linda calls in to describe the scene on Dexter St in Watertown

Linda explains how the shootout transpired in Watertown during the early morning hours. She saw the first suspect mortally wounded and police beginning the manhunt for the second suspect.

More from this show

Boston bombing hero Jeff …

Boston bombing hero Jeff Bauman: "He's dead and I'm still here"

Jeff Bauman, a victim of the Boston Marathon bombing, joined the show to give the guys an update of his condition and a first-hand account of that terrible day. Jeff told the guys how he wrote the description of the bomber as soon as he could. Mr. Bauman added that he is aided every day with the knowledge that he is alive and the terrorist that detonated the bomb is dead.

More from this show

Danny Ainge dispels the r…

Danny Ainge dispels the rumors: "I have the best coach in the NBA"

We check in with Danny Ainge for our first talk to him since the Celtics season ended last weekend. We talk about the future of the team, KG, Pierce, Doc Rivers and more, as Danny directly answers the rumors being floated by ESPN's Stephen A. Smith.

More from this show

It Is What It Is Cast: Ex…

It Is What It Is Cast: Examining the New England Patriots offseason

In the latest edition of the "It Is What It Is" podcast, Chris Price and CSNNE's Mike Giardi take a look at the Patriots offseason on both sides of the ball, try and get a handle on which new guys will make an impact first, and whether or not the Patriots have altered their style when it comes to drafting and developing wide receivers.

More from this show

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