Title number 18 for the Boston Celtics was one characterized by sheer dominance. As the new season begins, it’s not business as usual for first-time winner coach Joe Mazzulla. He shared his perspective about the new season while appearing on the Locked on Celtics podcast.
Interestingly, Coach Joe Mazzulla has not hidden his feelings about going for a repeat. This will make him the first coach since Coach Steve Kerr of the Golden State Warriors to win back-to-back titles. As such, he is fully embracing his team’s role as top targets as the season approaches in around six weeks.
It comes down to can you translate them to high-duress moments individually and together and build that mindset… we’re going to have difficult moments in the season, that’s going to happen, and people are gonna say the target is on our back. But I hope it’s right on our forehead, in between our eyes. I hope I can see the red dot.
Joe Mazzulla via Locked on Celtics
However, fans of the C’s will be excited that the team’s core has been kept intact. Last season’s addition of Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis proved to be a masterstroke. However, much is left to be desired from the star duo of Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. Rumors of a rift between them are making the rounds on the internet.
This is evidenced by JB’s awkward moment when asked to comment on JT’s Olympic struggles. Hopefully, there’s no trouble in paradise as the C’s will begin their journey against the Denver Nuggets in two preseason games in Abu Dhabi. Their regular season begins on October 22 against Eastern Conference title rivals, New York Knicks.
Coach Joe Mazzulla credits the Boston Celtics front office
The coach and players played a part, but there’s no denying that the Celtics wouldn’t be the dominant force if not for the wise organizational decisions made by those in the front office. While speaking to the media, Coach Mazzulla acknowledged this, much to the praise of the fans.
People don’t really understand what goes into organizational leadership, organizational alignment. The Celtics are one of the top organizations in the world, from top to bottom. Everyone is on the same page.
Coach Mazzulla said in a recent press conference
Joe Mazzulla profusely credited the Celtics organization today:
“People don’t really understand what goes into organizational leadership, organizational alignment. The Celtics are one of the top organizations in the world — from top to bottom. Everyone is on the same page.” pic.twitter.com/Oa9KuowUFK
— Noa Dalzell 🏀 (@NoaDalzell) September 3, 2024
Furthermore, the front office run by GM Brad Stevens has given the Boston Celtics the right ammunition to challenge for the title season after season. They have the best core in the league. As such, it would take a lot for rivals, especially in the East, to stop them from marching to title number 19.
However, that can all end in a blink of an eye with reports of the owners putting the team up for sale. It has garnered interest from multi-billionaire Jeff Bezos and a company tied to LeBron James. Notwithstanding, the C’s are well-placed to start a dynasty that may rival the Chicago Bulls or the Warriors.
