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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
11/01/2011 - 11:55pm
Requiem for opening night
This should have been opening night for the Celtics. It would have been our first real chance to see the familiar faces and whatever new pieces team president Danny Ainge was able to acquire after what would have been a hectic offseason.
Paul Flannery
10/21/2011 - 1:01am
The lockout that never ends
So this is where we are on Day 112 of the NBA lockout that never seems to end. After three days and more than 30 hours of negotiations, the NBA and the union that represents the players have walked away from each other again without a new collective bargaining agreement. The issues remain the same – the revenue split and the system – only this time the rhetoric has gone from simmer to boil.
Paul Flannery
10/17/2011 - 9:16pm
History aside, Celtics can't be counted out of Dwight Howard sweepstakes
While the NBA drifts off toward the ether one of the most important storylines of the season that may never be received a kickstart when Dwight Howard sat down with Esquire’s Scott Raab.
Paul Flannery
10/14/2011 - 2:52pm
Welcome to David Stern’s lockout
Is everyone having fun yet? The commissioner who acts on behalf of the 30 owners in the NBA locked the players out on July 1 after the collective bargaining agreement expired, surprising absolutely no one. It’s true that there was some discussion before the owners, with Stern as their proxy, closed up shop after one of the most compelling NBA seasons in recent memory.
Paul Flannery
10/11/2011 - 9:45pm
Untangling the issues in the NBA lockout
The NBA announced on Monday that it was cancelling the first two weeks of the regular season, which means that for the second time in 13 years the league will miss games. To the union this was an inevitable conclusion to a process that began two years ago when the two sides informally began talks. "I'm convinced this was all just part of the plan," Billy Hunter, executive director of the National Basketball Players Association told reporters on Monday.
Paul Flannery
10/04/2011 - 11:13pm
Back to the brink, but reasons for optimism for NBA
There are two ways to look at the mess the NBA is in now. There’s the pessimistic view that the season will not start on time and the league and the players association not only didn’t come to an agreement, but also reverted back to rhetoric and spin. The optimistic view is that buried beneath the rancor is the reality that the NBA finally made a move toward the players.
Paul Flannery
10/04/2011 - 1:14am
Time for NBA to make a deal, or else
After all the posturing, blood issues and extreme consequences it appears that the NBA and National Basketball Player’s Association are finally getting down to the heart of the matter. There have been hints of movement, longer negotiations and even a flare-up between commissioner David Stern and Dwyane Wade. All of that has, “set the table for [Tuesday’s] meeting,” in the words of Stern’s deputy Adam Silver.
Paul Flannery
09/10/2011 - 7:54pm
In remembrance of 9/11
This isn’t a story about healing. It’s not about politics or war. It’s simply a story about someone I used to know. It’s odd that I can vividly remember so much about that day, but I can’t remember how I found out about Marty – only that he was in one of the Towers.
Paul Flannery
08/24/2011 - 2:41pm
In defense of Jeff Green
Danny Ainge said the expectations were too high. Doc Rivers talked about losing continuity.
Paul Flannery
07/25/2011 - 4:04pm
The case for re-signing Marquis Daniels
There’s a tendency to believe that the date that defined the Celtics season was Feb.
Paul Flannery
07/19/2011 - 6:08pm
Examining the Celtics 2011-12 schedule
Paul Flannery
07/13/2011 - 11:24pm
Examining the Dwight Howard sweepstakes
As we sit in the middle of July with no labor agreement, no labor meetings scheduled and no real clue as to what the rules for franchise-building will be in the future, it seems pointless to speculate on the future of anything.
Paul Flannery
07/11/2011 - 2:51pm
Bill Russell's statue finds a home
It was about a year ago when the idea took hold in a bar over by Fenway. The question itself was simple: Why doesn’t Bill Russell have a statue?
Paul Flannery
06/30/2011 - 10:15pm
What the lockout means for the NBA and the Celtics
What has been anticipated for more than two years became official on Friday morning as the NBA locked out its players. The league emailed a statement on Thursday, which explained the tangible effects of the lockout:
Paul Flannery
06/24/2011 - 2:28am
Celtics build for future while adding to present
In time the 2011 NBA draft may be viewed through the prism of history as a strange and curious footnote in an uncertain future for the league. With labor unrest swirling many of the top prospects elected to stay in the safety of their college programs.
Paul Flannery
06/19/2011 - 9:17pm
Labor uncertainty clouds Celtics future
While the NBA gears up for Thursday’s draft, a bigger story will play out earlier this week in New York. On Tuesday, the league and the player’s union are meeting in what appears to be pivotal talks in the hope of coming to an agreement on a new Collective Bargaining Agreement.
Paul Flannery
06/13/2011 - 4:58pm
Miami's loss leaves window open for Celtics
Something fundamentally changed in the NBA this past week.
Paul Flannery
06/07/2011 - 3:01pm
Why the return of Ray Allen is good for him and the Celtics
Last season, 35-year-old Ray Allen played 36 minutes a night in 80 games and didn’t miss any time because of injury. He shot a career-high from the floor (49 percent) and 3-point range (44 percent) and was once again an All-Star after a one-year absence.
Paul Flannery
06/03/2011 - 2:52pm
Shaquille O'Neal's entertainingly frustrating season in Boston
On the day Shaquille O’Neal met Boston, he was greeted by a wall of television cameras, photographers and reporters from both news and gossip along with the usual sports media contingent. Taken in a vacuum, this spectacle made no sense. He was here as just another old vet looking to hang on one for more year at the minimum.
Paul Flannery
05/25/2011 - 8:23pm
Celtics rewind: What went right in 2010-11
“We look at it probably as a failure this year, not winning a championship,” – Rajon Rondo after the Celtics were eliminated in Miami.
Paul Flannery
05/17/2011 - 2:46pm
Bill Russell reflects on his statue
For the first time since plans were unveiled for a statue, Bill Russell spoke publicly about the honor. If you expected a quick and easy response from Russell, you’ve got the wrong guy.
Paul Flannery
05/15/2011 - 6:42pm
Why Danny Ainge is bringing back the big three
The Celtics are bringing the band back together for one more year and no one seems particularly thrilled with the notion of turning into a version of the mid 2000’s Pistons; a.k.a. the team that was one of the toughest outs in the league, but didn’t have enough to get back to the summit.
Paul Flannery
05/12/2011 - 1:21am
No happy ending for these Celtics
MIAMI -- Sometimes the story simply doesn’t end the way you had hoped and sometimes the surprise twist simply doesn’t deliver on its promise. For eight months, the Celtics played this NBA season for the sole purpose of avenging last year’s bitter defeat at the hands of the Lakers in Game 7 of the finals.
Paul Flannery
05/11/2011 - 1:34am
Game 5: All on the line for Celtics
MIAMI — At this point it is no longer about adjustments, strategies or X’s and O’s. The Celtics know what they have to do against Miami — limit turnovers, hit the defensive boards, protect the paint.
Paul Flannery
05/10/2011 - 1:27am
For Celtics, the one that got away
So here were the Celtics all tied with the Heat through an impossibly wretched offensive fourth quarter, playing with a one-armed point guard, no center and three Hall of Famers with their needles hovering on empty.


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.

John Lackey postgame gues…

John Lackey postgame guest after the last game of the Minnesota series

Joe Castiglione talked with John Lackey after he picked up the W against the Twins. Lackey threw seven innings, and retired the 1st twelve batters of the game.

John Farrell pregame before the last game of the Minnesota series

Dave O'Brien talked to John Farrell before the end of the Twins series. The Sox skipper said that Big Papi's success is no surprise given his work ethic.

John Farrell postgame press conference

John Farrell postgame press conference

Dale and DJ Continue Thei…

Dale and DJ Continue Their Preview of Bruins/Rangers and Discuss the Power Play on Sports Sunday

Dale and DJ roll on with their puck talk and chat some more about the goalie matchup in this series, as well as the lack of a quality power play for both of these teams. In fact, DJ says the Rangers are even worse on the PP than the B’s! The guys also get into the resurgence of Milan Lucic and his deceptive speed and grit. Dale and DJ talk about the similar styles of play for these teams and look forward to Game 2.

Dale Arnold and DJ Bean Discuss Claude vs Tortorella, Tyler Seguin and more About Bruins/Rangers

Dale and DJ get into the two coaches and their polar opposite styles and demeanor. Both teams play a similar style, but the coaches certainly convey their messages in a different way. Dale isn't buying the Tortorella hype and thinks he's a little overrated. DJ thinks he's a good coach, but isn't a fan of anti-media stance. The guys also talk about Jagr and how he has not lived up to the hype. They weren't expecting him to light it up or be the savior, but DJ says he wasn't prepared for just how slow the aging veteran is. Another big topic for B's fans this season is the play of Tyler Seguin and why he has yet to become the superstar everyone anticipates he will be. This leads to Claude Julien's style and if he does actually have something against the younger players. That Iginla trade shows its ugly head again as well.

It's a Black and Gold Sports Sunday -- Dale Arnold and DJ Bean Preview Game 2 of the Bruins/Rangers Series

WEEI.com's DJ Bean joins Dale in studio for Sports Sunday to discuss the Bruins playoff run. Game 2 is later today and the guys discuss the results of the first game of the series. They get into the construction of the lines for the B's and if they would make any changes. DJ has a few ideas for the lines today. The boys also discuss the two goalies - Tuukka vs Henrik Lundqvist and wonder why people automatically think the Rangers have the edge at goalie. Finally, they get into the legacy and the decisions of Claude Julien and Peter Chiarelli.

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

Rangers superfan Boomer E…

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.

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

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