What exactly do Celtics reporters work on?

[celtxman]

It's easy for reporters to come up with Celtics news during the season. But what have they done in the offseason? I'll list three of off season topics that Celtics fans would like to know about:

How is the rehab going with Porzingis? Is the decision to forgo surgery a good one? Is it too early to tell? Has any attempt been made to find out?

We have heard all the way back to the beginning of July that Malcolm Brogdon is unhappy with the Celtics because he was offered in trade to the Clippers. Was there any attempt to contact him? I watch the local news and I hear all the time " we reached out for comment."
Then we hear from a national reporter, Ramona Shelburne that Brogdon is unhappy with how the Celtics handled his elbow injury.

In early August there were articles and video showing Derrick White talking about a possible three year extension to his contract. White seemed very interested.....are the Celtics? If they wait a year could White get more money? There was one story that said there was a three week window in September to get this done. Any window you can configure is either over or it is in process. What's happening?

The question is , in an era where reporters have unprecedented access, whatever happened to working hard to find answers? What does Chris Forsberg do?

[Celts17Pride]

Media Day is probably sometime next week. Should have all the answers next week.

[165bows]

It's easy for reporters to come up with Celtics news during the season. But what have they done in the offseason? I'll list three of off season topics that Celtics fans would like to know about:

How is the rehab going with Porzingis? Is the decision to forgo surgery a good one? Is it too early to tell? Has any attempt been made to find out?

We have heard all the way back to the beginning of July that Malcolm Brogdon is unhappy with the Celtics because he was offered in trade to the Clippers. Was there any attempt to contact him? I watch the local news and I hear all the time " we reached out for comment."
Then we hear from a national reporter, Ramona Shelburne that Brogdon is unhappy with how the Celtics handled his elbow injury.

In early August there were articles and video showing Derrick White talking about a possible three year extension to his contract. White seemed very interested.....are the Celtics? If they wait a year could White get more money? There was one story that said there was a three week window in September to get this done. Any window you can configure is either over or it is in process. What's happening?

The question is , in an era where reporters have unprecedented access, whatever happened to working hard to find answers? What does Chris Forsberg do?

If you aren't assuming media is just paid mouthpieces for hire I'm not sure where people have been at this point.

It's a good question though imo.

[celtxman]

Media Day is probably sometime next week. Should have all the answers next week.

I'm sure you're right which is part of the reason I posted this now. We went the summer without any substantive reporting on these and other issues. It's easy when everyone is congregated together and answers HAVE to surface,
Why are the Celtics beat writers, TV media getting scooped by Ramona Shelburne?

[31to6]

Media Day is probably sometime next week. Should have all the answers next week.

I'm sure you're right which is part of the reason I posted this now. We went the summer without any substantive reporting on these and other issues. It's easy when everyone is congregated together and answers HAVE to surface,
Why are the Celtics beat writers, TV media getting scooped by Ramona Shelburne?

I don't think she's scooped anything, I think she's just scattering feces on behalf of the Lakers.

To answer your question, I think Chris Forsberg takes vacation time in the summer, and makes a lot of podcasts, often with Brian Robb, and they are fine, I've listened to some. Same with Gary Washburn at the Globe. It seems obvious that they DO NOT reach out to any players during the summer -- presumably, they want to give them their space.

If we had any player trying to get paid, we might have a puff-piece or two by now. But DWhite is probably too humble and quiet for that, and Jaylen got his bag so didn't need to release any "running on the bottom of a pool what could go wrong??" videos this summer.

[Bar Fight]

On recovery from the latest Celtics Playoff collapse

[ConstableGeneva]

In early August there were articles and video showing Derrick White talking about a possible three year extension to his contract. White seemed very interested.....are the Celtics? If they wait a year could White get more money? There was one story that said there was a three week window in September to get this done. Any window you can configure is either over or it is in process. What's happening?

September 30 is the first day Celtics can offer White an extension. Day before start of the regular season would be the deadline. I expect this to get done. White would love to have an extension done, per his interview early August. This Cs FO is generally tight-lipped and leak-proof (see JB extension when we didn't hear anything specific/substantial for weeks from Cs side until it was signed).

[Hal14]

In early August there were articles and video showing Derrick White talking about a possible three year extension to his contract. White seemed very interested.....are the Celtics? If they wait a year could White get more money? There was one story that said there was a three week window in September to get this done. Any window you can configure is either over or it is in process. What's happening?

September 30 is the first day Celtics can offer White an extension. Day before start of the regular season would be the deadline. I expect this to get done. White would love to have an extension done, per his interview early August. This Cs FO is generally tight-lipped and leak-proof (see JB extension when we didn't hear anything specific/substantial for weeks from Cs side until it was signed).

You just gave us more insight into the White extension situation than 90% of all Celtics reporters combined

[Smart2Nesmith43]

The question is , in an era where reporters have unprecedented access, whatever happened to working hard to find answers?

I think you answered your own question there. How do you think they get that "unprecedented access" ? By being friendly with the players/front office and making sure that they don't ever ask about or put out anything that would make the player/front office uncomfortable. Otherwise the team/player would just find someone else to broadcast their message.

There's zero actual journalism in the NBA especially not from beat writers who are 100% reliant on their access to the team to keep doing their day to day activites. Guys like Woj and Shams aren't any better except they usually are on the agents' side. Watch out the next time they put out a tweet announcing some guy signing a contract. You are going to have very prominently featured either the agency that negotiated the deal or some super misleading obscure stat that paints an overrated picture of a player (which has been given to them by the agent to boost their client's standing) or both.

[165bows]

The question is , in an era where reporters have unprecedented access, whatever happened to working hard to find answers?

I think you answered your own question there. How do you think they get that "unprecedented access" ? By being friendly with the players/front office and making sure that they don't ever ask about or put out anything that would make the player/front office uncomfortable. Otherwise the team/player would just find someone else to broadcast their message.

There's zero actual journalism in the NBA especially not from beat writers who are 100% reliant on their access to the team to keep doing their day to day activites. Guys like Woj and Shams aren't any better except they usually are on the agents' side. Watch out the next time they put out a tweet announcing some guy signing a contract. You are going to have very prominently featured either the agency that negotiated the deal or some super misleading obscure stat that paints an overrated picture of a player (which has been given to them by the agent to boost their client's standing) or both.

Woj at least is on the league side. I'm certain he just gets access to the league's paperwork portal, that's why his tweets are the way they are. Just paperwork details, and before anyone else.

[Green89]

One big story for me is whether or not Tatum's wrist has healed, and if he's going into camp or the season wearing a brace. You have to hope that is now resolved.

[ConstableGeneva]

One big story for me is whether or not Tatum's wrist has healed, and if he's going into camp or the season wearing a brace. You have to hope that is now resolved.

Just speculation on my part but I wouldn't lift that much if my wrist isn't still right. He has several of these workout videos with him not wearing any brace or support of some sort.

Read on Twitter

[celtxman]

The question is , in an era where reporters have unprecedented access, whatever happened to working hard to find answers?

I think you answered your own question there. How do you think they get that "unprecedented access" ? By being friendly with the players/front office and making sure that they don't ever ask about or put out anything that would make the player/front office uncomfortable. Otherwise the team/player would just find someone else to broadcast their message.

There's zero actual journalism in the NBA especially not from beat writers who are 100% reliant on their access to the team to keep doing their day to day activites. Guys like Woj and Shams aren't any better except they usually are on the agents' side. Watch out the next time they put out a tweet announcing some guy signing a contract. You are going to have very prominently featured either the agency that negotiated the deal or some super misleading obscure stat that paints an overrated picture of a player (which has been given to them by the agent to boost their client's standing) or both.

I totally agree that the reporters are reliant on their access, but it has really fostered laziness. Like the possible Derrick White extension. Even if you ask the front office, " are you going to try to extend White?"
Call Brogdon and even if he doesn't say much to your question, maybe he reveals what he did to Ramona Sheldon.
All it is is fluff pieces and speculation

[31to6]

The question is , in an era where reporters have unprecedented access, whatever happened to working hard to find answers?

I think you answered your own question there. How do you think they get that "unprecedented access" ? By being friendly with the players/front office and making sure that they don't ever ask about or put out anything that would make the player/front office uncomfortable. Otherwise the team/player would just find someone else to broadcast their message.

There's zero actual journalism in the NBA especially not from beat writers who are 100% reliant on their access to the team to keep doing their day to day activites. Guys like Woj and Shams aren't any better except they usually are on the agents' side. Watch out the next time they put out a tweet announcing some guy signing a contract. You are going to have very prominently featured either the agency that negotiated the deal or some super misleading obscure stat that paints an overrated picture of a player (which has been given to them by the agent to boost their client's standing) or both.

I totally agree that the reporters are reliant on their access, but it has really fostered laziness. Like the possible Derrick White extension. Even if you ask the front office, " are you going to try to extend White?"
Call Brogdon and even if he doesn't say much to your question, maybe he reveals what he did to Ramona Sheldon.
All it is is fluff pieces and speculation

I highly doubt Brogdon or anyone close to him revealed or said anything to Ramona Shelburne.

As to the rest -- soon the media and the team and the coaches and management spend like 9 straight months together. I think -- for a team that's playing into late May or June each year, and that DOESN'T have a newish beat writer trying to make a name for themselves -- summer is really seen as 'time off', and they know they'll e.g. ask Brad about a Derrick White extension soon, when he and they are all back from vacation.

[fallguy]

Guys, reporters have less access than ever to players.

Not more.

[celtxman]

I think you answered your own question there. How do you think they get that "unprecedented access" ? By being friendly with the players/front office and making sure that they don't ever ask about or put out anything that would make the player/front office uncomfortable. Otherwise the team/player would just find someone else to broadcast their message.

There's zero actual journalism in the NBA especially not from beat writers who are 100% reliant on their access to the team to keep doing their day to day activites. Guys like Woj and Shams aren't any better except they usually are on the agents' side. Watch out the next time they put out a tweet announcing some guy signing a contract. You are going to have very prominently featured either the agency that negotiated the deal or some super misleading obscure stat that paints an overrated picture of a player (which has been given to them by the agent to boost their client's standing) or both.

I totally agree that the reporters are reliant on their access, but it has really fostered laziness. Like the possible Derrick White extension. Even if you ask the front office, " are you going to try to extend White?"
Call Brogdon and even if he doesn't say much to your question, maybe he reveals what he did to Ramona Sheldon.
All it is is fluff pieces and speculation

I highly doubt Brogdon or anyone close to him revealed or said anything to Ramona Shelburne.

As to the rest -- soon the media and the team and the coaches and management spend like 9 straight months together. I think -- for a team that's playing into late May or June each year, and that DOESN'T have a newish beat writer trying to make a name for themselves -- summer is really seen as 'time off', and they know they'll e.g. ask Brad about a Derrick White extension soon, when he and they are all back from vacation.

With Shelburne one of two things can be true. 1.) She got it wrong, in which case she needs to be called out on this 2.) She got it right . I don't care if she got it from Brogdon's dentist, she's getting the job done and catching the Celtics media with their pants down,
These guys do not get 3 months vacation nor should they

[31to6]

I totally agree that the reporters are reliant on their access, but it has really fostered laziness. Like the possible Derrick White extension. Even if you ask the front office, " are you going to try to extend White?"
Call Brogdon and even if he doesn't say much to your question, maybe he reveals what he did to Ramona Sheldon.
All it is is fluff pieces and speculation

I highly doubt Brogdon or anyone close to him revealed or said anything to Ramona Shelburne.

As to the rest -- soon the media and the team and the coaches and management spend like 9 straight months together. I think -- for a team that's playing into late May or June each year, and that DOESN'T have a newish beat writer trying to make a name for themselves -- summer is really seen as 'time off', and they know they'll e.g. ask Brad about a Derrick White extension soon, when he and they are all back from vacation.

With Shelburne one of two things can be true. 1.) She got it wrong, in which case she needs to be called out on this 2.) She got it right . I don't care if she got it from Brogdon's dentist, she's getting the job done and catching the Celtics media with their pants down,
These guys do not get 3 months vacation nor should they

Read on Twitter

/mediaViewer?currentTweet=1704718473161490771&currentTweetUser=ClutchPoints&mode=profile

there’s nothing here but a talking head (in the pocket of LAL) talking about what she thinks for like 15 seconds

[jfs1000d]

It's easy for reporters to come up with Celtics news during the season. But what have they done in the offseason? I'll list three of off season topics that Celtics fans would like to know about:

How is the rehab going with Porzingis? Is the decision to forgo surgery a good one? Is it too early to tell? Has any attempt been made to find out?

We have heard all the way back to the beginning of July that Malcolm Brogdon is unhappy with the Celtics because he was offered in trade to the Clippers. Was there any attempt to contact him? I watch the local news and I hear all the time " we reached out for comment."
Then we hear from a national reporter, Ramona Shelburne that Brogdon is unhappy with how the Celtics handled his elbow injury.

In early August there were articles and video showing Derrick White talking about a possible three year extension to his contract. White seemed very interested.....are the Celtics? If they wait a year could White get more money? There was one story that said there was a three week window in September to get this done. Any window you can configure is either over or it is in process. What's happening?

The question is , in an era where reporters have unprecedented access, whatever happened to working hard to find answers? What does Chris Forsberg do?

As someone who was in sports journalism for 15 years, and rubbed elbows with these guys, many are under contract for a certain amount of work. Also, the effort required to do a story is not worth the ROI.

NFL and baseball have offseason reporting, but once the summer league is over almost all reporters who cover NBA only go on hiatus. There isn’t enough work for a team beat reporter in the summer to sustain the job.

[Hal14]

I totally agree that the reporters are reliant on their access, but it has really fostered laziness. Like the possible Derrick White extension. Even if you ask the front office, " are you going to try to extend White?"
Call Brogdon and even if he doesn't say much to your question, maybe he reveals what he did to Ramona Sheldon.
All it is is fluff pieces and speculation

I highly doubt Brogdon or anyone close to him revealed or said anything to Ramona Shelburne.

As to the rest -- soon the media and the team and the coaches and management spend like 9 straight months together. I think -- for a team that's playing into late May or June each year, and that DOESN'T have a newish beat writer trying to make a name for themselves -- summer is really seen as 'time off', and they know they'll e.g. ask Brad about a Derrick White extension soon, when he and they are all back from vacation.

With Shelburne one of two things can be true. 1.) She got it wrong, in which case she needs to be called out on this 2.) She got it right . I don't care if she got it from Brogdon's dentist, she's getting the job done and catching the Celtics media with their pants down,
These guys do not get 3 months vacation nor should they

Exactly. Woj doesn't take 3 months off in the summer. Shams doesn't take 3 months off during the summer.

ESPN doesn't just shut down all NBA coverage for 3 months over the summer. The offseason is a BIG time of year for basketball coverage with the draft, free agency, all the trades going down and being rumored, coaching changes, FIBA, etc. If you're a basketball reporter and taking the whole summer off, your career is going nowhere - you won't stay relevant.

We live in a world where basketball is covered 365 days a year. And when you factor in how easy it is for anyone to tweet out some info (or an opinion) from any device..and they can do so anywhere in the world (there's people reporting on the NBA in Australia, Europe, etc.), Shams said he only sleeps 4 hours per night, you can literally get NBA news 24/7/365. So like I said, if you're a reporter who takes the whole offseason off, you're really falling behind in your career.

[ryan in Maine]

Kitchen and basement remods, mostly.