Boston Celtics Legend Cedric Maxwell Talks Larry Bird, NBA History, and the Celtics' Championship Run!
In this week’s episode of Missing the Point, two-time NBA Champion, 1981 Finals MVP, and Celtics icon Cedric “Cornbread” Maxwell joins hosts Dave Clarke and Rayshawn Buchanan for an in-depth, no-holds-barred conversation on everything basketball. From his early days in North Carolina to his legendary battles in the NBA, Cedric shares unforgettable stories, unique insights into the evolution of the game, and his unfiltered takes on today’s Celtics team.
🎧 What You'll Hear in This Episode:
🏀 The Evolution of Basketball – Cedric discusses how the NBA has changed over the decades, from the physical, grind-it-out style of the 1980s to today’s fast-paced, three-point-heavy game. He shares his thoughts on whether the game has improved or lost its edge due to rule changes and analytics-driven play.
🍀 Inside the Celtics’ 2024 Season – Cedric breaks down Boston’s title hopes, the impact of Joe Mazzulla’s coaching, and the team’s playoff strategy. He explains how load management is affecting players like Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, and Kristaps Porziņģis, and whether this Celtics team has what it takes to win another championship.
🔥 Larry Bird, Magic Johnson & NBA Rivalries – Hear never-before-told stories about Larry Bird’s legendary work ethic, the fierce Celtics-Lakers rivalry, and how the NBA’s biggest stars competed with a different level of intensity in the ‘80s. Cedric also shares what it was like guarding Dr. J, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and Hakeem Olajuwon, and why he believes some modern players wouldn’t have survived in his era.
⛰ The Mount Rushmore of Sports Debate – Cedric, Dave, and Rayshawn engage in a heated debate about the greatest athletes of all time. Cedric’s picks:
✔ Bill Russell – The ultimate winner and 11-time NBA Champion.
✔ Michael Jordan – The GOAT in terms of dominance and impact.
✔ Tiger Woods – Changed the sport of golf forever.
✔ Serena Williams – The greatest female athlete in history.
💰 NBA Contracts & Player Empowerment – Cedric shares his thoughts on Jimmy Butler’s contract demands, why NBA players have more power than ever, and how LeBron James and Michael Jordan revolutionized financial literacy for athletes. He also explains why modern players train differently, from weightlifting and nutrition to mental preparation.
📅 Can the Celtics Go Back-to-Back? – Cedric revisits the 1981 and 1984 Celtics championship runs and explains why winning back-to-back is one of the hardest challenges in professional sports. He shares key differences between Bill Fitch’s and K.C. Jones’ coaching styles and why team chemistry is everything when chasing titles.
🎤 Exclusive Cedric Maxwell Stories:
💡 How he was cut from his high school basketball team, only to come back stronger and make the NBA.
💡 The hilarious story of Jason Tatum realizing who Cedric Maxwell was after watching an NBA documentary.
💡 Why Cedric hated losing more than he loved winning—and why he loved making opposing fans cry after Celtics road wins.
💡 The forgotten physicality of the NBA in the ‘80s and why Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown need to play with more of an edge.
💬 Join the Conversation:
✔ Who is on YOUR Mount Rushmore of sports? Drop a comment or tag us on social media!
✔ Do you think the Celtics will win it all this year? Let us know your predictions!
📢 Follow & Subscribe for More Exclusive NBA & Celtics Content:
📲 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mtp_pod/
📲 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mtp_podcast
🎧 Listen Now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and All Major Platforms!
#NBA #BostonCeltics #CedricMaxwell #LarryBird #CelticsPodcast #BasketballHistory #NBAPodcast #MichaelJordan #LeBronJames #PlayerEmpowerment #GoCeltics
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Cedric Maxwell
NBA Champion, 1981 Finals MVP, Boston Celtics Legend & Broadcaster
Cedric Maxwell – NBA Champion, Boston Celtics Legend, and Acclaimed Broadcaster
Cedric Maxwell is a two-time NBA Champion (1981, 1984), NBA Finals MVP (1981), and one of the most beloved figures in Boston Celtics history. Known as “Cornbread,” Maxwell played a crucial role in the Celtics’ success during the late 1970s and early 1980s, contributing with his scoring efficiency, rebounding, and clutch performances in the postseason. His dominance in the 1981 NBA Finals, where he led the Celtics to victory over the Houston Rockets and was named Finals MVP, cemented his place in franchise lore.
Cedric Maxwell’s Career with the Boston Celtics
Drafted by the Boston Celtics 12th overall in the 1977 NBA Draft, Maxwell quickly became a vital piece of the team’s rotation. He was renowned for his elite footwork, soft touch around the basket, and ability to draw fouls, making him one of the most efficient scorers of his era. Throughout his career, Maxwell shot an impressive 54.6% from the field, one of the highest field goal percentages in NBA history.
During his time in Boston, Maxwell played alongside some of the greatest players in Celtics history, including Larry Bird, Kevin McHale, Robert Parish, and Dennis Johnson, forming a core that dominated the Eastern Conference. His leadership and experience were instrumental in the 1984 NBA Finals, where he famously told his teammates before Game 7 against the Los Angeles Lakers to “get on my back, boys,” delivering a clutch performance to help secure another championship for the Celtics.
Post-Pla… Read More