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Articles by Matt Esposito
Is There Grace for Men?
“I need someone to help me out, instead of a scrub like you, who don’t know what a man’s about.” – Destiny’s Child Can you pay my electricity bill? I asked my significant other this when she moved in, and not out of a debilitating fear brought on by the prospect of slipping financially. Rather, I was protecting her, hopefully. I can imagine the thoughts that run through a good woman’s mind when she brings her home to one that she didn’t buy. And brought it, she did. All the senses changed Anno Nicki.
I Should Have Cried More When My Dad Died
A Terrible Winter The night before the nation’s finest neurologists were to present their diagnosis of my dad, I read to him the Register’s offseason reporting on the Red Sox. I wouldn’t say I was fresh for that morning meeting, but I was ready. The news would be dire, something I had known for a while. Death is obvious, we just love a little too hard to see it. We should be lucky it’s that way. I did not know that toll I would pay for how I behaved during this meeting, but it was costly.
Warriors cruise to a 5-1 victory over the Comets
The men’s soccer team of the El Camino College Warriors continued their winning streak to four wins after defeating the Palomar Comets 5-1 at home on Friday, Sept. 13. Opening up the game were Warriors making efficient passes, leaving Palomar Comets struggling to keep up. The Warriors continued their aggressive style of play, ignoring the multiple fouls and interceptions, leading to a goal by Warriors defender Aldahir Rau, which resulted in a 1-0 score within the first five minutes.
My “I Just Saw Woj’s Tweet” Overreaction To The Robert Williams Extension — The Playgrounder
You know I’m hyped up on either an afternoon cold brew or exciting Woj Celtics news when I don’t even bother with something creative for the author button on this post. Right before I was about to check out a book on cryptocurrency (buy Cardano you fools!) at my local library, I received the Woj tweet. Nothing better than an NBA contract to help you learn quick math. With an average annual value (aav) of $13.5 million per season, Timelord is now in the top half of all centers regarding salary.
Ranking The Likeliest Dennis Schröder Outcomes For His Year In Boston — The Playgrounder
This Brad Stevens guy….not too shabby as an executive so far, eh? Signing Dennis Schröder for the taxpayer midlevel exception ($5.9 million) was masterful in its own right. Yes, the market was working against the German national however, Boston didn’t blink during this game of contract chicken. Stevens could have offered Schröder the more lucrative non-taxpayer exception and in doing so the Celtics would have been hard-capped.
How To Best Use Payton Pritchard Next Season — The Playgrounder
Wikipedia just told me that Payton Pritchard won the “Bob Cousy Award” during his senior season of college hoops, making his home in Boston an even nicer fit. What was absent from Wikipedia however, was any indication that Pritchard earned All-Rookie honors. Because he didn’t. Because the media is stupid. In fact, he only received 20 second-team votes. Alright, I have some friends in the media so I shouldn’t imply they are all dumb.
The Faces Of Tom Thibodeau — The Playgrounder
New York Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau has become a modern-day renaissance man. Previously faced with a destiny all too familiar to those unwilling to let go of the past, Thibs has made act three of his NBA coaching career a successful comeback story. Still the red-faced, howling, perfectionist patrolling the sidelines, Thibs has actually become more of a star than he was at his previous jobs in Chicago and Minnesota.
Tale of the Tape - Aaron Nesmith is Critical to Boston's Success — The Playgrounder
Despite shooting 34 percent from the field and 31.6 percent from deep, Celtics fans have astutely beckoned for Aaron Nesmith to receive consistent minutes. Many believe that the rookie could fill the wing floor-spacing role for Boston while also using that 6-foot-10 wingspan to bother opposing playmakers. Due to the Cs lackluster effective field goal rank (19th) however, his offensive potential takes precedent.
Toronto Raptors' Trade Deadline Plans w/ Imman on Apple Podcasts
55 min The boys start the show off by discussing the Jalen Johnson situation, and some of the snubs they left off their all star teams. Imman (@_nopename) then joins the show to discuss the Raptors' season, a potential Andre Drummond trade, and if they should be buyers or sellers at the deadline. 55 min
Utah’s High Screen-and-Roll is the Deadliest Set in the NBA — The Playgrounder
Yeah, I said it. Of all of the offensive play-calls the NBA has to offer—pick-and-roll combos starring Anthony Davis and LeBron James, Milwaukee’s new penchant for using Giannis as a dive man—the game’s most lethal offensive set can be found in Utah. It comes in the form of a high screen and has resulted in the Jazz scoring an absurd 118.9 points per 100 possessions.
The Celtics are up to Something - The Film behind TPE Candidates — The Playgrounder
By @MattEsposito During the PC era (Pre-Covid, not politically correct) I would spend chilly Sunday afternoons inside of a nearby Dunkin Donuts, sipping an Americano and reading a philosopher to heady for me to comprehend. Some former students of mine work at this Dunkin, and almost nothing makes me happier than eavesdropping on youthful gossip in between mouthfuls of munchkins, courtesy of my former Period 3 World Studies kids.
All Star Team Selections on Apple Podcasts
55 min Zach (@ZachWilsonNBA) and Matt (@MattEsposito_) discuss the Derrick Rose trade, their thoughts on if the all star game should be played this year, and make their all star selections for the season. 55 min
Larry Nance Jr Has Cleveland Thinking Playoffs — The Playgrounder
By Matt Esposito There’s a scene in Back to the Future where Marty McFly, an angsty, energetic teenager, has to convince 1950s-Doc Brown that the adolescent is from the future. Being a scientist, an incredulous Brown needs proof. “Tell me, Future Boy, who’s President of the United States in 1985?” “Ronald Reagan,” Marty responds, only to hear Doc sling back a sarcastic, “Then who’s Vice President? Jerry Lewis?” Doc Brown, I feel you. The collective NBA feels you.
2021 NBA DRAFT REPORT - EVAN MOBLEY — The Playgrounder
By Matt Esposito A coveted college recruit, Evan Mobley entered his freshman year at USC with high expectations. The term unicorn is currently handed to prospects at such a rate that the word is beginning to lose its meaning, but Mobley is certainly deserving of that title. With a 7-foot frame and an impactful, shot-altering 7-foot-4 wingspan, Mobley’s effect on opposing offenses is obvious. Yet, he has retained his agility despite blossoming in size and is remarkably skilled as well.
Robert Williams and Payton Pritchard Have Some Serious Chemistry
By Matt Esposito I was very tempted to clickbait this article title with something like “You’ll Love These Advanced Stats Between Timelord and Fast PP!” Don’t worry, you’ll still get those numbers, but I won’t turn this into an NBA Central blog. Hey, you’ll even get some videos, too! Over nine games, Boston is 6-3 and has tallied wins over Milwaukee, an impressive Indiana team, and most recently, the Miami Heat.
Jaylen Didn’t Just Shine As A Scorer Last Night…
By Matt Esposito Over/under 6.5 “Christmas came early in Boston” blog posts that will be published today? I’m taking the over but just barely. I’ll also read just about every one of them. And why not? The Boston Celtics looked damn near terrible in the preseason, with the Js not showing any sort of offensive rhythm. Turns out, preseason is preseason and the Celtics were revved up to begin this year on a high note. Personally, I get to do the same. Trust me, it isn’t often I get to do a victory lap.
Free Agency Preview - Harry Giles
By Matt Esposito I’m rooting for Harry Giles to have a successful career more than I’ve ever rooted for anything in my life. (Well, maybe I’m rooting harder for Homelander to die, but we can assume everyone else is too.) A former top high-school recruit who has been plagued by injuries, Giles once more finds himself having to overcome the odds.
The Celtics Must Prepare For These Specific Miami Sets
By Matt Esposito Despite being a renowned, beachfront metropolis brimming with beautiful shades of life, there are Miami-related topics still being under discussed. Will Floridian opportunity zones increase income inequality under the guise of gainful employment for impoverished citizens? Did Will Smith really “party in the city til the break of dawn?” How is Coach Spo both highly respected and underrated at the same time?
Heat vs Celtics Preview w/ Sekou Smith, Raptors vs Celtics Recap & Rockets vs Lakers Recap on Apple Podcasts
1 hr 5 min Sekou Smith joins the show to preview the ECF matchup between the Heat and Celtics (1:40). Matt and Zach then recap the Celtics vs Raptors by giving away player awards, and then recap the Lakers vs Rockets series (32:17). 1 hr 5 min
How Ricky Rubio Became Elite At Drawing Free Throws
By Matt Esposito Here’s a list of things we take for granted: Getting a gift basket at a friend’s birthday during ages 4-10 Complimentary garlic knots at Italian restaurants Hotel air conditioners that turn your room into a slumber tundra Ricky Rubio’s ability to get to the free throw line Did you see that last one? Up there next to Jonas Valanciunas and JaMychal Green, Ricky Rubio remains one of the more underrated players in the NBA.
Denver Nuggets w/ Joel Rush, Miami Heat w/ Richard Anselmo, All-NBA Teams on Apple Podcasts
1 hr 30 min Matt and Zach get you caught up on everything around the league, they are then joined by Denver Nuggets beat writer, Joel Rush to talk about the Nuggets' playoffs chances, MPJ, Bol Bol, and Jokic. Wolf Rock Radio host, Richard Anselmo then joins the programs to discuss the Miami Heat, the Andre Iguodala trade, and music. The boys finish the show sharing and debating their picks for All-NBA. 1 hr 30 min
2019-20 Rookie Review: RJ Barrett Has Superstar Potential But Needs Work
By Matt Esposito In 7th grade Health class my teacher, Mr. Green, knew students would have opinions on the difficult topics we were covering. To protect identities, he made us use an, “I know someone who…” model. Well, I know someone who argued that RJ Barrett has greater chance at becoming a top tier player than Ja Morant. This person made a solid case, too! Yet, this person also recognizes that Morant performed far better than Barrett this season.
The Playgrounder on Apple Podcasts
42 episodes NBA analysis through the rivalry of a Raptors and a Celtics fan. NBA analysis through the rivalry of a Raptors and a Celtics fan. JAN 12, 2021 Golden State Warriors w/ Connor Letourneau + Kyrie's Absence Golden State Warriors w/ Connor Letourneau + Kyrie's Absence Zach (@ZachWilsonNBA) begins with his rant about the Toronto Raptors and their struggling season, he and Matt (@MattEsposito_) then discuss Kyrie Irving and his absence, and CJ McCollum's amazing season thus far.
2019-20 Rookie Review: San Antonio Is Molding Keldon Johnson
(Image by Tomek Kordylewski) By Matt Esposito Whenever you think the Spurs aren’t being too Spursy, trust me, this is when they are likely being their Spursiest. We should have seen the signs coming. Keldon Johnson was ranked as a top 20 prospect by multiple publications and San Antonio was able to nab him with the 29th pick. Still, the former Wildcat did not play more than 10 games for the Spurs this season, making a review of his somewhat difficult. But this is America, god dangit. We persevere.
2019-20 Rookie Review: Sekou Doumbouya Has Upside But Needs Work
(Image by Tomek Kordylewski) By Matt Esposito Played by the ageless Paul Rudd, the character Brian Fontana has a memorable scene in Anchorman where he yells at a camera shy panda. I’ve always wanted to mention Paul Rudd in an article and use the phrase “camera shy panda.” Two birds with one stone, I guess. But why do I bring him up? I had Sekou Doumbouya 8th on my Big Board. I thought Detroit had landed a gem when he slipped just outside of the lottery to the 15th pick.
2019-20 Rookie Review: P.J. Washington Is More Skilled Than You Think
(Image by Tomek Kordylewski) By Matt Esposito Taken at the 12th spot in the his draft, P.J. Washington went right around where I had him pegged on my personal Big Board (16th.) Prior to the draft, Washington benefitted from receiving solid results on his physical measurables. He appeared bulky enough to hang with stronger players and claimed a wingspan just over 7-foot-2 inches. Yet, his athletic testing measurables dropped drastically.
2019-20 Rookie Review: Remember Trashing The Cam Johnson Pick?
(Image by Tomek Kordylewski) By Matt Esposito I certainly do. But I mean, that’s life. We should have never unlearned the old grammar school adage, “always pick the older, bigger kid in dodgeball.” Am I going to fact check this next claim? No. But I’m pretty sure Cam Johnson was the oldest player drafted last year. At 6-foot-8, he’s a monster of a shooter as well. Don’t forget your childhood lessons, folks. The brass in Phoenix certainly didn’t.
Are These 4 Players Changing What We Think About Rim Protection?
By Matt Esposito What is more en vogue in today’s NBA than unearthing hidden gem prospects who take the form of athletic, omnipositional players with monstrous wingspans? Executives are longing to uncover the next OG Anunoby, Pascal Siakam or Jaylen Brown. Why? Defensive pliability is at a premium in today’s game. Teams are constantly searching for ways to keep rangy, offensively gifted bigs on the floor despite their defensive shortcomings.
2019-20 Rookie Review: Coby White Has One Glaring Weakness
(photo by Tomek Kordylewski) By Matt Esposito Last year, I had Coby White 10th on my big board. There were some aspects to love. White displayed the potential to become a legitimate three level scoring threat; a skill with a premium placed on it in today’s league. He also routinely showcased an advanced shot creation package filled with stepbacks, sidesteps and crossover pull-ups. There were some question marks, however.
What Is Atlanta’s Ceiling With John Collins & Trae Young? Hawks Experts Weigh In
By Matt Esposito The simultaneous growth of John Collins and Trae Young has not yet resulted in many wins but, it surely will. This duo is primed to become an elite pick and roll combo, if they are not there already. Let’s do a super short summary of their development before our Hawks experts discuss what these two mean to Atlanta’s ceiling. Collins has steadily evolved from being strictly a corner 3-point spacer to someone who can nail triples from anywhere on the court.
3 G League Players To Keep An Eye On
(Image credit – Tomek Kordylewski) By Matt Esposito Today’s article comes inspired by Matt Evans; a British hoops fan who runs an excellent website dedicated to covering G League prospects. With his guidance, I was able to identify three G League prospects who could be actualizing their NBA dreams sooner rather than later.
Your 2019-2020 All “Be Patient” Team
(Image Credit – Tomek Kordylewski) By Matt Esposito “Love is patient, love is kind.” Yes, I repeat that classic wedding poem whenever I watch Robert Williams play. Surely enough, he makes my All “Be Patient” Team for this season. What is the criteria? Idk fam, you tell me. Essentially, there are a handful of players across the league that just need a little extra lovin’. Guys that have to bake a little longer in the oven. Some of these players have had some off-court issues.
While You Wait: a review on Marcus Smart’s 2019-2020 season
By Matt Esposito | May 13, 2020 The most recent edition in this series covered Jaylen Brown’s season. Maybe I should have shown more respect by beginning with the Boston Celtics longest tenured player, Marcus Smart. Although it was still outstanding, reasonable people can debate if Smart’s defensive play this year was better than last season’s performance. Regardless, the man who labeled himself a “stretch 6” will likely see some votes tallied for Defensive Player of the Year.
3 Reasons Memphis Has The Best Young Frontcourt In The NBA
By Matt Esposito Among other things, the ancient Egyptian city of Memphis was known for being a religious cult center. After watching the tape on Jaren Jackson Jr and Brandon Clarke, I may just start up my own cult for these cutting-edge frontcourt players. Although JJJ started next to Jonas Valančiūnas this season – an underated, albeit imperfect fit – the Grizzlies will likely experiment with pairing the former Michigan State stud next to Clarke.
Why Are The Knicks Not Letting Mitchell Robinson Reach His Ceiling?
By Nick Faggio Cue the “Idk, maybe he lives in a NYC loft” jokes. Lofty may be a good way to describe his ceiling, however. During Mitchell Robinson’s rookie campaign, he recorded a total of 161 blocks in just 66 games; a mark good enough to take 2nd place in blocks per game for the season. Not bad for a 7-footer’s first year in the Association.
How Can Domantas Sabonis Level Up?
By Matt Esposito Since R. Kelly’s fall from grace, I’ve turned to other covers of his perpetually effervescent I Believe I Can Fly. I landed on a version by R&B legend James Ingram; a rabbit hole that led me to another one of his hits: Everything Must Change. Should this song have been floating in the background as I answered a question from Kory Waldron; one of the best writers currently covering the Indiana Pacers?
“How Can Mikal Bridges Make The Leap?”
By Matt Esposito Today’s inquiry comes to you live from the desert, as @AZSportsZone of SB Nation makes me build a bridge and get over it. What am I lamenting? That a certain Suns wing doesn’t play the majority of his games on East Coast Time. But, without further ado, I bring to you our question: What does Mikal Bridges need to do to make the leap? Let’s start with a profile. Bridges spends the majority of his time (78%) at small forward but can guard multiple positions.
While You Wait: a review on Jaylen Brown’s 2019-2020 season
By Matt Esposito | April 16, 2020 With two previous posts about Romeo Langford and Daniel Theis already completed, it has come time to turn our attention Jaylen Brown. The ascent of Jayson Tatum to the cusp of superstardom may have overshadowed Brown’s own rise. Like a parent who just realized they have been neglecting their middle child, it is time to give Jaylen his own shine. Offensively, the second half of the J team made significant strides this year.
While You Wait: A review on Daniel Theis’ 2019-2020 NBA Season
By Matt Esposito | March 30, 2020 Last week, we detailed the rookie campaign of Romeo Langford. Another Celtic with a promising future, Daniel Theis, finds himself the subject of this week’s review. Oh, and I promise it will be a little shorter this time! The German National has remained remarkably efficient despite being trusted with a starting role and a career-high in minutes.
While You Wait: A review on Romeo Langford’s 2019-2020 NBA Season
Although the writers at Red’s Army do not, many take basketball lightly. It is a source of athletic entertainment that sends children to the blacktop and leaves many with a stiff neck due to the way a barstool and television never quite lined up. Coronavirus is not to be taken lightly, however. It is easy to feel panicked amidst the shut-downs and increasingly disconcerting news coverage. So, why not bring some hoops into your life?
How Jayson Tatum can help bench players score more
By: Matt Esposito | March 9, 2020 This Celtics season is starting to become a little too rollercoastery. The constant injury news has become an unwelcome yet common refrain, but the criticism on second unit play is louder than ever. It is no secret that the Boston bench has been struggling lately. Brad Wanamaker has come under more scrutiny than a Trump scandal and some (including yours truly) have questioned Danny Ainge’s decision to stand pat at the deadline.
What to expect with Boston bigs at full health
By: Matt Esposito | March 6, 2020 The return of Robert Williams not only injects the Celtics with some much-needed frontcourt dept but, gives writers something to monitor down the final stretch of the season and the upcoming playoffs. A combination of small ball centers and Enes Kanter, in addition to the notable play of Daniel Theis, has kept Boston from struggling at the five while Timelord rehabbed an injury. How will the big man rotation play out with Williams back, however?
3 ways Marcus Smart improved his midrange game
By: Matt Esposito | February 28, 2020 Who saw this coming? Certainly not me. Traditionally, the narrative on Marcus Smart emphasized the tension between perimeter scoring and defense. Could his 3-point shooting ever catch up to his status as a bulldog defender? For a season and a half now, Smart has been a league average shooter from deep, averaging 35.9 percent on triples. Surprisingly, it is his game from 10-16 feet that has made the most progression.
Jayson Tatum is getting to the line more by using two specific moves
By: Matt Esposito | February 18, 2020 Just about everyone from Bill Simmons to the 12-year-old inhaling a slice at Halftime Pizza had hoped that Jayson Tatum would start earning more trips to the stripe. Myself included. It seems like Tatum may finally be satiating this collective desire. A look at the top free-throw attempts (FTA) per game leaders will explain why.
Think twice about putting Semi in your TradeMachine
By: Matt Esposito | February 5, 2020 Now in his third year as a Celtic, many hoped Semi Ojeleye would develop into a more reliable role player. After all, he certainly has the physique. As it turns out, Semi has been giving solid minutes for the last few weeks. Upon first glance, Jesusemilore Talodabijesu Ojeleye (yes, that is his birth name) does not have eye-popping numbers.
Daniel Theis has been a different guy these past 10 games
By: Matt Esposito | January 24, 2020 Coming into the season, many Celtics writers (including myself) suggested Daniel Theis should be the starting center. We gambled on his toughness, IQ and ability to hit enough open 3-pointers to keep a defense honest. Over his last ten games Theis has come through in a noticeable way. So, how exactly has Theis looked over this stretch? His numbers during this run are impressive.
Daniel Theis has been a different guy these past 10 games
By: Matt Esposito | January 24, 2020 Coming into the season, many Celtics writers (including myself) suggested Daniel Theis should be the starting center. We gambled on his toughness, IQ and ability to hit enough open 3-pointers to keep a defense honest. Over his last ten games Theis has come through in a noticeable way. So, how exactly has Theis looked over this stretch? His numbers during this run are impressive.
A play to end the Celtics’ slow starts
By: Matt Esposito | January 22, 2020 If there is one thing all Celtics fans can agree on, it is that our beloved ballers do not always get off to the hottest of starts. Being down 14 in the first quarter to non-playoff teams can be frustrating, to say the least. To break these opening slumps, Brad Stevens turns to a particular play. He calls for a double screen along the perimeter.
6 plays that summarize the Celtics recent defensive issues
By: Matt Esposito | January 20, 2020 On the season, the Celtics surrender 105.6 points per game. So it may come as a bit of a shock to learn that they are giving up 115.9 points over their last six contests. Sure, the loss to Detroit came against a team that had a freakishly historical shooting night. The Bucks loss was without one the Celtics best defenders and when Brook Lopez is hitting step backs all you can do is pray for the best. There is more to the story, though.
Why isn’t Brad Stevens calling more dribble hand-offs for Hayward?
By: Matt Esposito | January 6, 2020 Much has been written about what Gordon Hayward’s playmaking has meant to the 2019-2020 Boston Celtics. Fans and pundits alike have likened it as the lynchpin to Boston’s elite offense. But, there is a specific set Brad Stevens should deploy more often for the All-Star forward. During the first few years of Stevens’ tenure in Boston, his squads perpetually ranked in the top tier for dribble handoff frequency.
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