The Cedric Maxwell Podcast Is Heartier Than Your Grandma's Cornbread
Y’all know I’m a Boston Celtics megafan. I’ve written about it before in my review for John Karalis’ Locked On Celtics podcast, which I listen to every morning. I wear Celtics gear multiple times a week and if my wife let me, we’d probably have Celtics bed sheets. I tell you this to help you understand where this review comes from.
Oh. Also, Cedric Maxwell is a Boston Celtics legend.
Nicknamed Cornbread in his playing days (get the title now?) he was a member of some of the best Celtics teams of all time (he played for the franchise from the late 70s through the mid-80s, alongside legends like Bird, Parrish, McHale etc.), and he returned to the team in the early 2000s as a commentator and game caller for WBZ-FM in Boston. As someone who doesn’t get to watch many games (if you want to hear me rant about blackout rules, hit me up), I mostly listen to games and enjoy Maxwell’s play-calling with his broadcast partner Sean Grande. He’s funny in moments, insightful in others, and overall a joy to listen to.
Needless to say, I don’t miss an episode of his show. The Cedric Maxwell Podcast, a member of CLNS Media Boston Sports, sees Maxwell joined by Josue Pavón, a veteran Celtics writer who currently works for Heavy. The show is almost five years old but only has a handful of reviews on Apple, so it clearly remains at least a bit of an under-the-radar find. Unlike Karalis’ Locked On show, which tops every list, it doesn’t regularly appear on the most listened to Boston Celtics podcast rankings. It’s weird to call a podcast named for and hosted by a guy who had his jersey retired by the team and who currently serves on the official broadcaster squad under-the-radar, but hey, here we are.
One of the reasons may be that it doesn’t drop regularly. It seems to be whenever the two have the time. Understandably then, it doesn’t drop often, averaging a show every 10 days to 2 weeks. Another reason may be that there’s no set agenda for the shows. Most episodes feature Pavón and Maxwell lightweight bickering over a topic (the two seemingly never agree, and even when they do they find a way to argue about it!). Still other parts of the show include Pavón simply bouncing an idea or question of Maxwell, who clearly has forgotten more about the NBA than most people will ever know.
I can understand how, for some, this may make the show less enjoyable. I get it. And I personally have turned off or chosen not to listen to other shows that could be described exactly the same way. But there’s just something about the way Maxwell and Pavón interact that makes this show enjoyable and entertaining. Part of it is their knowledge. I mean, Maxwell is a legend (I can’t say that enough) and Pavón is not too far behind. They’re both intelligent guys who have thoughtful and interesting things to say about what happens on the court and in the world around it.
Do I wish they dropped more episodes with more regularity? Yes. But I get it.
Do I sometimes wish there was a third voice in the room to add an outside perspective on issues? Yes, but I’ve never lost any respect for either guy for the positions they take on important and impactful issues that surround the humanity of those involved in this sport.
It’s not a perfect show by any means. But I can’t imagine any reason why it isn’t more listened to and more adored by Celtics and NBA faithful.
I give the show a solid 4.25 out of 5!
You can check out The Cedrick Maxwell Podcast at their website or on GreatPods!