Boston, MA
Proposed Marcus Smart trade from Boston Celtics analyst worth consideration
If the Boston Celtics were actually offered the mock proposal involving Marcus Smart that Bill Simmons floated on the latest episode of “The Bill Simmons Podcast,” there’d need to be serious consideration by the front office about moving a player who is about to hit a decade of tenure should he stay in a Cs uniform for the 2023-24 season. Simmons’ scenario would see the Celtics swap out Smart for the Dallas Mavericks’ No. 10 pick in the 2023 NBA draft and Tim Hardaway Jr.
“I think this trade is really logical, I think it’s exceedingly fair and I don’t know which team would turn it down,” Simmons said.
And he may be right. As Simmons goes on to explain, the team would solve its guard problem while adding a wing who can pick up the slack if either Jaylen Brown or Jayson Tatum is having an off-game.
“It solves the guard problem for the Celtics, right?” Simmons prefaced before saying, “Because now you’re moving out one of the guards and you’re replacing him with a swing. I felt like one of the things the Celtics struggled with last year was not having that guy to put in for Jaylen Brown or (Jayson) Tatum if one of those guys got in foul trouble or wasn’t playing a game or whatever. His 3-point shooting has always been pretty good.”
For the right package, the Boston Celtics shouldn’t be afraid to part with Marcus Smart
Smart proved during the postseason that he is still at the top of his game — that of a glue-guy role player who can give the team an emotional lift on a good night –, but it’s hard not to notice the bloated payroll and the lack of progress for the roster from the 2021-22 season to last. In those scenarios, something typically has to give, and rarely do those things that give not evoke some heartache for fans.
Malcolm Brogdon is certainly preferable to trade, but if Brown is to receive a $295 million extension, perhaps it’s within reason that both guards (not to mention Payton Pritchard) could be traded for players at the same position making far less while also having other holes on the depth chart plugged.
At the end of the day, the Jays need players who maximize their potential, and that just hasn’t happened in the biggest moments during the 2023 Eastern Conference Finals (Game 7) and the 2022 Finals (Games 5 and 6). Hardaway has been a constant as a streaky volume scorer on a cheap deal in the current rising NBA salary cap climate, while the No. 10 pick could have a higher ceiling than everyone in the Boston Celtics backcourt for all we know.
Simmons’ proposed gamble is one that, at worst, gives the team a player who can be developed and reach his peak during the later years of the Brown and Tatum supermax deals that are coming over the next few offseasons.
Boston, MA
How to Watch Orlando Magic at Boston Celtics on Friday, January 17
BOSTON – The Orlando Magic and Boston Celtics do battle for the second time this season Friday evening. Tipoff between the two Eastern Conference foes is at 7 p.m. ET from TD Garden.
Each team will be looking to bounce back after uncharacteristic losses. But, one team will be much healthier when attempting to do so.
On the front end of this chilly Northern road trip, the Magic handled by the Milwaukee Bucks by 29 points Wednesday night in Milwaukee. They’ll be without three of their top four scorers and five total rotational players in looking to wash the taste of that contest away.
Boston went north of the border to Toronto and dropped their Wednesday outing by 13 points. The Celtics report no injuries ahead of Friday’s bout.
Regarding this season’s series, Orlando (23-19) took the first matchup over Boston (28-12). Friday’s nationally televised matchup is the second of three this year between the two teams.
Who: Orlando Magic (23-19, 5th in East) at Boston Celtics (28-12, 2nd in East)
What: NBA Regular Season Game
When: Friday, January 17, 7 p.m. ET
Where: TD Garden, Boston, Massachusetts
TV: ESPN, FanDuel Sports Network Florida, NBCS Boston
Radio: 96.9 The Game, Orlando Magic Audio Network, SiriusXM
Point Spread: Milwaukee -6
Last Meeting: Orlando 108, Boston 104 on 12/23/24
Orlando Magic
Boston Celtics
Jamahl Mosley, Orlando Magic: Mosley tipped off his fourth NBA season as a head coach this season, all of which having come with the Magic. He’s 126-162 in the regular season all-time. Before Mosley was named the head coach of the Magic, he was an assistant with Dallas, Cleveland, and Denver. He’s a Colorado alum, and played four years of professional basketball in Mexico, Australia, Finland and South Korea.
Joe Mazzulla, Boston Celtics: Mazzulla, 36 years old, mans the sidelines for his third season as the Celtics’ coach this year. In each of his first two seasons, Boston finished atop the Eastern Conference. They hoisted the Larry O’Brien trophy a historic 18th time this past June after his team cruised through the playoffs in just 19 games (16-3). Prior to taking over as head coach, the former West Virginia Mountaineer was an assistant on the Celtics bench for three seasons. He’s regarded as one of the brightest, young polarizing minds in the game. today
Follow ‘Orlando Magic on SI‘ on Facebook and like our page. Follow Magic beat reporter Mason Williams on Twitter/X @mvsonwilliams. Also, bookmark our homepage so you never miss a story.
Boston, MA
State plans to overhaul the Arborway in Boston, remove rotary
BOSTON — The Arborway is home to nature. The Arboretum along the road is no stranger to ponds and amphibians, so it’s fitting that crossing the street feels like a game of Frogger. The state has taken notice and has a proposal to overhaul the entire thoroughfare.
Neighbors hope for changes
“You are definitely taking your life in your own hands trying to cross this road. There are a lot of crashes right here because you have four lanes going into one,” said Ed Narenkivicius, a dog walker who’s lived here for 25 years. “The current model isn’t working, so hoping for anything with common sense.”
Out of the 13 intersections on the Arborway, only two are signaled, which means at 11 of them, pedestrians have to wait for the cars to stop to cross. With multiple lanes, people can be waiting a while or choose to risk it to run across.
“I don’t use a crosswalk that doesn’t have a signal, and the ones up here are just flashing yellow. I wait until cars stop,” said Narenkivicius.
“It is challenging at times. We have to dodge cars from time to time or wait,” said Heidi Blake, another neighbor out walking her dog. “As a driver, I have seen cars run into one another, and very dodgy entrances and exits.”
Blake is onto something. She’s lived here for 10 years, and studies back up her fears. Over the last five years, there have been more than 100 sideswipe crashes at both Murray and Kelley Circle.
“You can see the sideswipe crashes are clustered and concentrated near the entrances and exits to the circle,” said Project Manager Teren Wong while showcasing data during a public meeting online.
Two traffic circles removed
In response, the state is working to overhaul the entire Arborway by doing away with both circles altogether. Bike and pedestrian lanes will be added, as well as reducing the number of pedestrian crossings. The ones that remain will be signaled. The proposal increases green space as well.
Many of the people we spoke with were in favor change, but skeptical of the current design. During the public meeting this week, one Pondside neighborhood resident worried the new design will make it difficult to access his street.
“You’ve got to think about this seriously, and you’ve got to resolve it because this is not going to stand,” the resident said.
The proposal is still being tweaked. They hope to have it finalized by 2026.
Boston, MA
Explore The Luxurious Side Of Massachusetts At This Year’s Boston Wine And Food Festival
Equipped with a lengthy coastline and a fishing culture that dates back centuries, Massachusetts has earned widespread acclaim for its world-class seafood scene—but that’s not all that this historic state has to offer. In addition to being the birthplace of beloved baked goods like the Boston cream pie and chocolate chip cookie, the commonwealth also boasts one of the finest dining scenes in all of New England. During a visit to the capital city of Boston, tourists can discover all sorts of polished bars and prestigious restaurants within city limits, and for a truly lavish experience, there’s no beating the Boston Wine and Food Festival.
First launched in 1989, this esteemed affair is set to return for its 36th iteration this year, with no shortage of elevated drinking and dining experiences taking place within the city’s world-class Boston Harbor Hotel. As one of the longest food and drink-focused events in the nation, the Boston Wine and Food Festival spans from late January until the final week of March, with festivities officially kicking off on January 31st at Opening Night. Taking place in the Harbor Hotel’s opulent Wharf Room, this lively event invites guests to sample more than 100 different wines sourced from all across the globe, all while enjoying live music and bites crafted by Executive Chef David Daniels.
After Opening Night, festival participants can look forward to twenty wine-focused events taking place throughout February and March, many of which shine a spotlight on the natural bounty of both California and Western Europe. For a deep dive on the agricultural history of France’s Rhône Valley, the Châteauneuf-du-Pâpe Dinner is the perfect event, while concepts like The Tuscan Sun Dinner and Marchesi di Barolo Dinner are ideal for discovering the rich array of wines that hail from the Italian peninsula.
When it comes to specific varieties of wine, the festival offers curated master classes focusing on Nebbiolo, Champagne and rosé, but for those in search of a particularly romantic experience, it’s tough to beat Valentines on the French Riviera. Taking place on February 14th, this intimate affair invites participants to enjoy a private dinner under the golden glow of candlelight, with seven refined wines from the French Riviera served alongside flavorful Mediterranean fare.
While the Boston Wine and Food Festival is particularly elegant all on its own, its host hotel is offering an opportunity for guests to elevate their experience with The Presidential Burgundy Experience. Taking place on March 21st, this grandiose event provides up to eight participants with an opportunity to bask in the beauty of the property’s Presidential Suite—a 4,800-square-foot space that comes complete with a private elevator, open-air terrace and floor-to-ceiling windows—and enjoy a sommelier-led Burgundy tasting experience and lavish, six-course dinner prepared by Chef David Daniels.
During the Presidential Burgundy Experience, guests can also take advantage of the full-service open bar available all throughout the meal, while the following morning brings the opportunity to enjoy an elegant brunch served in the comfort of the suite. And to sweeten the deal, a stay at the Boston Harbor Hotel also allows guests to pay a visit to Rowes Wharf Sea Grille—a top spot for lobster, oysters and clam chowder—without having to step outdoors and brave the winter weather.
While Massachusetts has long been renowned for its thriving seafood scene, the Boston Wine and Food Festival highlights far more than just the Bay State, with no shortage of acclaimed restaurateurs gathering to pay homage to the world’s most esteemed wineries. From Hollywood-inspired dinners to deep dives on the world of Pinot Noir, this lauded festival grants guests an opportunity to enjoy the elevated ambiance of the city at its very best—and with winter in full swing, the Boston Wine and Food Festival provides the perfect opportunity to escape the cold and immerse yourself in the flavors of Napa, Tuscany or the French Riviera for a truly unforgettable night.
-
Technology1 week ago
Meta is highlighting a splintering global approach to online speech
-
Science6 days ago
Metro will offer free rides in L.A. through Sunday due to fires
-
Technology1 week ago
Las Vegas police release ChatGPT logs from the suspect in the Cybertruck explosion
-
News1 week ago
Photos: Pacific Palisades Wildfire Engulfs Homes in an L.A. Neighborhood
-
Education1 week ago
Four Fraternity Members Charged After a Pledge Is Set on Fire
-
Business1 week ago
Meta Drops Rules Protecting LGBTQ Community as Part of Content Moderation Overhaul
-
Politics1 week ago
Trump trolls Canada again, shares map with country as part of US: 'Oh Canada!'
-
Technology5 days ago
Amazon Prime will shut down its clothing try-on program