They're Gonna Call It A Hard Foul?!

Jim Quigley and Mike Quigley
  • 4.6 (10)
  • BASKETBALL
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

"They're Gonna Call it a Hard Foul" is a weekly Boston Celtics podcast. For the 2024-25 season it’s banner 19 or bust.  We will breakdown all the wins and losses all season long. Hosts Jim Quigs and Michael Patrick.

  1. C's Go 3-1 Out West

    1D AGO

    C's Go 3-1 Out West

    The Celtics are 3–1 on their West Coast trip, haven’t lost in California all season, and just held 9 teams under 100 points in a 12-game stretch. So why does it still feel like there are questions? On this episode of They’re Gonna Call It a Hard Foul, Jim and Mike break down: The defensive suffocation of the Lakers (and what it exposed about Luka) Why this team’s physicality has hit another level The development of Keita, Walsh, Scheierman and the bench The Vucevic debate — fit, expectations, and postseason role Joe Mazzulla’s Coach of the Year case Jaylen Brown as a legitimate MVP candidate What Jayson Tatum’s return means — and why expectations need to be tempered And a fiery rant on Boston sports radio narratives This team wasn’t supposed to be here. Now they’re a legitimate contender — but the ceiling still hinges on Tatum. Tap in for sharp analysis, real debate, and zero sugarcoating. 🎧 Listen now. Because when the stakes rise… they’re gonna call it a hard foul. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    51 min

  2. FEB 14

    Jayson Tatum gets demoted to Maine (Not Really)

    The All-Star break is here, but the real story is in Boston. In this episode of They’re Gonna Call It a Hard Foul, Jim and Mike break down the Celtics’ trade deadline moves, the addition of Nikola Vucevic, and what it all signals about Jayson Tatum’s return. With Tatum practicing in Maine (cue the jokes), is his comeback closer than we think? We dive into: Whether the Celtics prioritized cost-cutting over contention How Vucevic changes the offense (and what he doesn’t fix) Tatum’s recovery timeline and what he realistically looks like in the playoffs Jaylen Brown’s physicality comments — are the Celtics tough enough? The wide-open Eastern Conference playoff picture Expansion draft hypotheticals: Who are the 8 players you protect? Plus: All-Star Game chaos, load management frustration, and why Charlotte might be the league’s sneaky League Pass darling. The second half of the season is here — and expectations in Boston have officially changed. 00:00 All-Star Game Fix? 01:40 Celtics Trade Deadline Breakdown 06:45 Vucevic vs Simons 10:00 Tatum Return Timeline 15:30 Playoff Pressure on Tatum 16:25 Celtics Physicality Concerns 24:40 Is the East Actually Good? 29:00 Load Management Problem 30:40 Expansion Draft: Who Do You Protect? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    39 min

  3. FEB 4

    Simons out and Nikola Vučević in

    Jim and Mike Quigley break down Boston’s surprise trade sending Simons to Chicago for Nikola Vučević — what it means for this season, the defense, the rotation, and the Celtics’ long-term financial flexibility. They get into: • Why the move is more about the cap than the court • What the Celtics gain (and lose) with Vučević • How the center rotation might shake out • The growing need for another ball handler • What this signals about Jason Tatum’s potential return • And why this trade doesn’t dramatically change Boston’s ceiling — for better or worse Plus: rapid reactions to league-wide trade deadline moves, including a fiery debate on James Harden landing in Cleveland. A big move, big questions, and classic Hard Foul honesty. ☘️🎙️ 00:00 – Hard Foul Is Back (Again) Quick turnaround after the return pod — Celtics make a move. 00:40 – Breaking Down the Trade Anthony Simons out, Nikola Vučević in — initial reactions. 01:35 – Why the Trade Really Happened Cap flexibility, first apron relief, and next season’s implications. 02:50 – What Vučević Brings (and Doesn’t) Offense, shooting, rebounding — and real defensive concerns. 04:45 – Saying Goodbye to Simons Why his Celtics run mattered — and why he was likely gone anyway. 06:30 – Center Rotation Fallout Vučević, Queta, Garza — who plays, who sits, and why. 08:20 – Does This Help Jalen Brown? Pick-and-pop, spacing, and offensive fit. 09:55 – The Ball Handler Problem Why this roster suddenly feels thin in the backcourt. 11:30 – What This Means for Jason Tatum Does this signal a return — or just roster insurance? 13:20 – Does This Move the Needle? Why the Celtics’ ceiling likely stays the same. 14:30 – League-Wide Trade Reactions James Harden to Cleveland sparks a heated debate. 20:50 – Harden Rant Segment No shortage of opinions here. 25:40 – Final Thoughts & What’s Next Deadline expectations and upcoming games. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    32 min

  4. FEB 3

    Hard Foul is Back!!

    The Hard Foul pod is back. After a long break, Jim and Mike Quigley return to break down one of the most surprising Celtics seasons in years — and why this team has wildly exceeded expectations. They dive into Boston’s front office masterclass, from hitting on minimum contracts and second-round picks to the breakout development of Jordan Walsh, Hugo González, Nemias Queta, and Luka Garza. This roster is deep, young, and actually good. The guys also unpack Jalen Brown’s All-NBA-level season, why this feels like his team right now, and how Joe Mazzulla’s system has unlocked the best version of Brown we’ve ever seen. Plus: the looming trade deadline, potential targets, Eastern Conference chaos, and the biggest question of the season — should Jason Tatum return this year after an Achilles injury, and what would that mean for a team that’s already rolling? The Hard Foul is back — and Celtics basketball is fun again. ☘️🎙️ 00:00 – Welcome Back: Hard Foul Returns The pod is back after a long break — why the timing finally made sense. 01:15 – This Celtics Team Is Way Better Than Expected Early reactions to Boston’s record, ratings, and why this isn’t a fluke. 02:55 – A Front Office Masterclass Minimum contracts, second-round picks, and how Brad Stevens nailed the offseason. 04:00 – Player Development Hits Everywhere Jordan Walsh, Hugo González, Nemias Queta, Luka Garza, and unexpected growth across the roster. 06:30 – Wing Depth Changes Everything Why Boston’s young wings on cheap deals reshape the future of the team. 07:30 – Coaching & Organizational Advantage Why the Celtics’ scouting, development, and coaching pipeline might be the league’s best. 08:40 – Jalen Brown’s Leap to All-NBA Why this feels like his team — scoring, playmaking, defense, and leadership. 11:00 – How Mazzulla Is Unlocking Brown Offensive structure, spacing, and why teams can’t double him anymore. 13:15 – Celtics Defense: Give Up Threes, Force Mistakes The defensive philosophy and why it’s working. 14:35 – Life Without Tatum (So Far) How Boston has survived — and thrived — without him. 18:15 – The Jason Tatum Question Should he return this season after an Achilles injury, or wait? 21:30 – Can Tatum Fit Without Disrupting This Team? Minutes, roles, and the mental side of returning from a major injury. 25:05 – Are the Celtics Better With or Without Him (This Year)? A real, uncomfortable but necessary debate. 29:40 – Eastern Conference Playoff Race Seeding, contenders, and why the next few weeks matter. 30:50 – Trade Deadline Talk Begins What Boston should (and shouldn’t) do. 33:00 – Realistic Trade Targets & Fits Centers, contracts, and why most names don’t actually make sense. 39:40 – The New CBA Is Killing Trades Why deals are harder than ever — and who it hurts. 45:50 – League-Wide Deadline Wish List Giannis rumors, buyer’s market chaos, and teams to watch. 49:00 – Final Thoughts & What’s Next Upcoming games, the deadline, and why this is a fun Celtics moment. 52:30 – Thanks to the Listeners Why the pod exists — and why the guys love doing it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    58 min

  5. 11/04/2025

    Jim and Mike hit record right after a brutal home loss to the Jazz—and let it rip. From a 14–2 start to a second-half collapse, they break down how Boston got out-rebounded, chucked 51 contested threes for just 11 makes, and watched Utah shoot the l

    Jim and Mike hit record right after a brutal home loss to the Jazz—and let it rip. From a 14–2 start to a second-half collapse, they break down how Boston got out-rebounded, chucked 51 contested threes for just 11 makes, and watched Utah shoot the lights out in a 38-point third quarter. They dig into late-game moments (the tripping no-call on Jalen Brown, the decisive put-back after a blown box-out), and what’s up with Derrick White’s slump and the Celtics’ center spot. Then it’s what’s next: Wizards on Wednesday, Magic (IST) on Friday, and what Brad should do now. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    51 min

  6. 10/31/2025

    Celtics Win Two In a Row

    The Celtics have a mini winning streak — but is Boston really turning the corner? In this episode of Hard Foul, Jim and Mike break down the highs and lows of the Celtics’ first five games, from their hot shooting to their ongoing rebounding struggles. They debate which “overreactions” might actually be justified, how Missoula’s rotations are shaping the lineup, and what the team still needs to fix to stay competitive in the East. The conversation doesn’t stop in Boston — the guys go around the league to talk early surprises, injuries, and scandals shaking the NBA, plus a heated debate on whether Shohei Ohtani is truly the best athlete in the world. Before tip-off, Jim locks in his pick of the day: Celtics to cover the 3.5-point spread against the Sixers in the in-season tournament. Smart takes, sharp humor, and unfiltered basketball talk — that’s Hard Foul. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    1h 16m

  7. 10/24/2025

    Celtics Drop Opener, NBA Gambling Scandal

    Jim and Mike Quigley break down the Celtics’ opening night loss to the 76ers — and their ongoing struggles guarding quick guards like Tyrese Maxey. They highlight Neemias Queta’s strong play, preview the Knicks matchup, unpack the Rozier–Billups betting scandal, and wrap up with Jim’s Alex Jones-style conspiracy about Rick Pitino. 00:00 Intro & headlines 02:10 Quick box score context (what mattered vs. noise) 07:30 Film notes: defensive coverages & matchups 14:20 Closing-time problems and late possession choices 20:45 What’s real vs. overreaction after Game 1 27:10 NBA gambling scandal: summary & stakes 34:30 Player protection, data access, and integrity policies 44:00 Final thoughts & next game lookahead Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    55 min

  8. 10/21/2025

    Bold Predictions for the Celtics Season

    Welcome to 'They're Gonna Call It a Hard Foul,' where basketball, brotherhood, and bold opinions collide. Jim Quigley, joined by his brother Mike, dives into the Celtics’ opening night showdown with the Philadelphia 76ers. They break down their predictions for the Celtics' 2025-26 season, debate whether Derrick White will make the All-Star team, and each draft their own ultimate five-man NBA lineup for this upcoming season. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    44 min
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4.6
out of 5
10 Ratings

About

"They're Gonna Call it a Hard Foul" is a weekly Boston Celtics podcast. For the 2024-25 season it’s banner 19 or bust.  We will breakdown all the wins and losses all season long. Hosts Jim Quigs and Michael Patrick.

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