Joe Mazzulla, in his first three seasons as head coach of the Boston Celtics, has already won the NBA Finals, and Paul Pierce thinks he could end his career as one of the best coaches in franchise history.
After the 2022 NBA season, it looked like the Boston Celtics were the class of the NBA. They lost the Finals to the Golden State Warriors, but had an elite young core and a no-nonsense coach in Ime Udoka, who steered them to the Finals in his first season.
Due to off-court issues, Udoka would be dismissed after his successful first season, and young assistant coach Joe Mazzulla would be given the reins, quickly finding success.
With three straight playoff appearances and one championship already under his belt, it’s not unpopular to think that he could eventually pass Red Auerbach as the longest-serving coach in franchise history.
Paul Pierce vouches for Joe Mazzulla
During Paul Pierce’s 16-season career with the Celtics, he played for four head coaches, most notably Doc Rivers.
The Celtics usually have continuity with coaches, and Udoka’s dismissal was the exception to the rule. As the NBA’s most successful franchise looks to add to its trophy case after Jayson Tatum recovers from injury, Pierce thinks Mazzulla is the perfect man to lead the team.
“I love Mazzulla,” praised the legend. “He fits the Boston mentality. I like that he’s young. He can relate to the players. He’s younger than us. He grew up watching us because he’s from Boston. I like his mentality; I like how his press conferences are.”
Mazzulla is known for being blunt, short, and often weird with reporters, although his team has fully bought into his “winning is the most important thing” mentality.
“He’s a no-nonsense type of coach, but the players love him,” Pierce added. “He’s a great fit. He’s going to be there for a long time.”
Mazzulla entered an odd situation in Boston
In 2021, Brad Stevens stepped down as head coach to take over as president of basketball operations. He handed the torch (and a complete roster) to Udoka, which was eventually inherited by Mazzulla.
Usually, NBA coaches do not step down; more often than not, they are fired, and a team is left scrambling. As a first-year head coach, Mazzulla was given a title-worthy roster with stars and an elite supporting cast, and he quickly established a playstyle that worked and found immediate success.
Mazzulla interviewed for the Utah Jazz head coaching role in 2022 but was beaten out by Will Hardy, who is yet to have a winning season. Hardy’s journey as a first-year head coach starting from scratch is much more “normal” in the NBA, and Mazzulla was given a chance for instant success.
He certainly deserves flowers for making the most of his chance!
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