Columnists
RSS Feed  RSS
Weei » Columnists » Paul Flannery » Paul Flannery Archive
ArchivesBlog
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
05/09/2011 - 12:16pm
Game 4: How much more can Rondo give Celtics?
Paul Flannery
05/08/2011 - 2:19am
The legend of the one-armed point guard
Their reputation long enshrined as the toughest, orneriest bunch of geezers on the block, Rajon Rondo added another piece to the legend that will one day be passed down about this group of Celtics.
Paul Flannery
05/06/2011 - 5:33pm
Is this the Celtics last stand?
It is beyond foolish to bury a team like the Celtics before they are lying in the cold, dead ground. They are too tough. Too weather-beaten and battle-scarred to simply call it a day after a couple of losses away from the Garden. They have also rallied too many times before.
Paul Flannery
05/04/2011 - 12:39am
Do the Celtics have enough left?
MIAMI — Throughout their four-year run, the Celtics have always had the answers, always had the counter to whatever was thrown their way. They knew deep down that their team framework was strong enough to handle any star and any situation. If that didn’t work, they always had that defense to back them up.
Paul Flannery
05/01/2011 - 9:31pm
After Game 1 loss, Celtics face toughest test
MIAMI -- Here is where we find out just what this Celtics team is really all about. In case there was any doubt – and there shouldn’t have been – the Heat will push them in a way they haven’t been pushed this year.
Paul Flannery
04/30/2011 - 4:18pm
As Rondo goes: What to watch for in Game 1
There will be seven members of the 2011 Eastern Conference All-Star team on the floor when the Celtics tip off with the Heat Sunday afternoon in Game 1 of their conference semifinal series. The most in any series since 1982-83 when the 76ers and Lakers met in the NBA finals.
Paul Flannery
04/28/2011 - 10:46pm
Legacies on the line: Paul Pierce and LeBron James
The Celtics enter their playoff series with Miami with no small amount of expectation, hope and worry. They know, as do the Heat, that the road to the championship must go through the other.
Paul Flannery
04/28/2011 - 12:17am
It had to happen: Breaking down Celtics series with Miami
Of all the playoff matchups and all the possibilities, the Celtics and Heat are the one that seemed predestined from the moment LeBron James signed with Miami.
Paul Flannery
04/26/2011 - 5:28pm
Back to work: Celtics need to use their time off wisely
The Celtics find themselves in a uniquely strange position this week.
Paul Flannery
04/25/2011 - 3:07am
Anybody else want to question Rajon Rondo?
NEW YORK — All around the cramped and joyless interview room in the bowels of Madison Square Garden, reporters raised their eyebrows and began working their fingers and thumbs on their mobile devices. Really? Mike D’Antoni went there?
Paul Flannery
04/23/2011 - 1:24am
Business as usual for Celtics
Paul Flannery
04/21/2011 - 7:09pm
Game 3 Keys: Get a rebound
If there was one thing that really bothered the Celtics in their Game 2 victory over the Knicks it was their lack of defensive rebounding.
Paul Flannery
04/20/2011 - 8:36pm
Inside the Celtics excellence of end-game execution
The play was supposed to be for Paul Pierce.
Paul Flannery
04/20/2011 - 1:20am
Celtics survive again, but is that enough?
There’s no way to accurately describe what went down between the Celtics and Knicks in Game 2 of their first round playoff series.
Paul Flannery
04/18/2011 - 6:06pm
Game 2 Keys: Has the switch been permanently flipped?
In the first game of the 2010 playoffs the Celtics found themselves trailing Miami by 14 points in the third quarter. They appeared lifeless and the energy in the Garden matched their play. Then suddenly it all came together.
Paul Flannery
04/18/2011 - 1:04am
The resurrection of Jermaine O'Neal
The moment of doubt for Jermaine O’Neal came at the moment of truth. When the lights go out and the doctor goes to work.
Paul Flannery
04/16/2011 - 11:52pm
Which version of Rondo will appear for playoffs?
Rajon Rondo walked to the far corner of the Celtics practice facility and sat on an exercise bike, at once inviting attention and doing nothing to court it.
Paul Flannery
04/14/2011 - 7:31pm
Breaking down the matchups for Celtics and Knicks
Way back in mid-December, the Celtics and Knicks played a classic, possibly the game of the year in the NBA regular season. It featured everything from in-game comebacks to gritty performances and late-game heroics.
Paul Flannery
04/14/2011 - 12:31am
Was this Celtics season a success?
Way back in October when the Celtics gathered in Waltham for the start of yet another run through the long grind of an NBA season, their mission was clear.
Paul Flannery
04/12/2011 - 9:08pm
The revitalization of Kevin Garnett
"I think Kevin loves it the way it is. He’s just kind of playing. The whole 'I hate Kevin' thing is gone and he just played through it and kept playing. That’s what great about him. He didn’t care if they did. That’s the best part.
Paul Flannery
04/10/2011 - 9:25pm
The Three-Pointer: Plenty of questions, few answers for Celtics
The Celtics don’t just lose games these days, they get taken apart and embarrassed on national television. For the second time in four days, they went into a contender’s arena in what was considered a big game on normal rest and got beat by double digits.
Paul Flannery
04/09/2011 - 12:21am
All eyes on big four as Celtics begin playoff push
You can talk all day long about the O’Neal brothers, Nenad Krstic’s adjustment and how Jeff Green will ultimately fit into the grand plan. Lord knows those topics have been beaten into the ground over the last few months.
Paul Flannery
04/08/2011 - 1:01am
The Three-Pointer: No statement from Celtics
All week long, the Celtics kept saying that they didn’t believe in statement games — which is good because the only message they sent in a 97-81 loss to the Bulls on Thursday is that Chicago is clearly the class of the Eastern Conference. At least in the regular season.
Paul Flannery
04/06/2011 - 12:44am
The Three-Pointer: Starting to come together
The decision was made before the game, and it was the last major one the Celtics would have to make before the start of the playoffs.
Paul Flannery
04/04/2011 - 7:28pm
Celtics look to get in rhythm in busy stretch run
Over the next week, the Celtics will play five games against a potential first round opponent in Philadelphia, the top two teams in the East – Chicago and Miami – and just for fun also get the Wizards for two sets of back-to-backs.


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

Andy Brickley, NESN: Go w…

Andy Brickley, NESN: Go with the young guys at D

Brickley joins the show and discusses what the Bruins should do with their young defensemen once the veterans return from injury, the play of Rask, and Torterella's coaching style.

Shawn Thornton on the Bruins game 2 win

Shawn joined the show to discuss the teams great performance in game two against the Rangers. Shawn said that he wouldn't mind playing for John Tortorella because he seems like a funny guy.

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.

Shawn Thornton on the Bru…

Shawn Thornton on the Bruins game 2 win

Shawn joined the show to discuss the teams great performance in game two against the Rangers. Shawn said that he wouldn't mind playing for John Tortorella because he seems like a funny guy.

Things you would never do

John, Gerry and Kirk give their things that they would never do, listeners joined on the WEEI yakoff app with their thoughts.

Kirk sings the Star Spangled Banner

After hearing the horrible performance by Alexis Normand at the Memorial Cup in Canada, Minihane saved us all by delivering a heartfelt rendition of our national anthem.

Andy Brickley, NESN: Go w…

Andy Brickley, NESN: Go with the young guys at D

Brickley joins the show and discusses what the Bruins should do with their young defensemen once the veterans return from injury, the play of Rask, and Torterella's coaching style.

Lyndon Byers on the Bruins defensemen situation

LB joins the show in studio to discuss the Bruins taking a 2-0 series lead against the Rangers and what Claude should do when Seidenberg, Redden, and Ference are ready to play.

Sox Talk- M&M discuss the winning streak and future of Ellsbury

Mut and Merloni get into a Red Sox discussion after a successful weekend in Minnesota. They discuss Pedroia, Lackey, and the future of Ellsbury with the Red Sox.

An Hour with Jack: Jack E…

An Hour with Jack: Jack Edwards joins Salk and Holley to break down a game two win and preview game three

What's better than a whole hour with NESN's Jack Edwards? Not much. We talk all hockey, all the time with Jack live from his study, with a "Loving Cup", whatever that is.

Bruins in complete control of Rangers two games into series

We talk hockey as the Bruins have had little problem taking a 2-0 series lead against the much talk about NY Rangers. Will this continue in games 3 and 4 at MSG? We discuss.

Salk and Holley's Four at Four - 05/21/13

We tackle four topics we haven't yet touched upon today. Gronk!, Proms with celebs and athletes and much more.

Daily Planet Monday May 2…

Daily Planet Monday May 20th

Today on the Daily Planet the Bruins have a 2-0 lead over the New york Rangers, the Red Sox are back on the winning sde of things, and the noteable birthdays of the day.

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

Salk and Holley's Miked U…

Salk and Holley's Miked Up and Answer the Question 05/21/13

....uhhhh.....a bunch of bombs over there....

Salk and Holley's Miked Up and Answer the Question - 05/17/13

Sounds like a prostate exam to me!

Salk and Holley's Miked Up and Answer the Question - 05/16/13

Damn New Yorkers!

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

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

Minor Details Ep. 49: Man…

Minor Details Ep. 49: Managerial development with Torey Lovullo and Arnie Beyeler

By and large, the focus of development in the minor leagues is on players. Still, there is a developmental path for coaches and managers in the farm system, as is evident from the fact that the previous two managers of the Red Sox' Triple-A affiliate in Pawtucket -- Torey Lovullo (2010) and Arnie Beyeler (2011-12) are now both on the Red Sox' big league coaching staff. They share their insights about the differences between player and coaching expectations in Triple-A vs. the majors, while discussing professional development from the perspective of former minor league managers who aspire to similar positions in the big leagues.

More from this show

Things you would never do

Things you would never do

John, Gerry and Kirk give their things that they would never do, listeners joined on the WEEI yakoff app with their thoughts.

More from this show

Shawn Thornton on the Bru…

Shawn Thornton on the Bruins game 2 win

Shawn joined the show to discuss the teams great performance in game two against the Rangers. Shawn said that he wouldn't mind playing for John Tortorella because he seems like a funny guy.

More from this show

Weei Writers