Joe Mazzulla garnered a ton of criticism in his first year as the head coach of the Boston Celtics last season, taking over on an interim basis prior to last season for a suspended Ime Udoka before losing in devastating fashion in the Eastern Conference Finals to the Miami Heat.
He and his team redeemed themselves this season by stomping through both the regular season and postseason to the tune of an 80-21 record and winning their 18th championship, and Jeff Van Gundy recently spoke candidly about what an accomplishment this was for Mazzulla in just his second season at the helm.
Van Gundy recently appeared on SiriusXM NBA Radio with Frank Isola and Brian Scalabrine and praised Mazzulla because “he coached to his personality and put the players at the forefront,” also adding that he had a tough job taking over for a Finals team last year and had limited coaching experience up to that point.
"He coached to his personality and put the players at the forefront"
Jeff Van Gundy talks to @TheFrankIsola and @Scalabrine about what made Joe Mazzulla's season so impressive
— SiriusXM NBA Radio (@SiriusXMNBA) June 19, 2024
Van Gundy complimented Mazzulla for being tough-minded and believing in what he is doing while blocking out criticism.
The Celtics are positioned to compete again next season due to having the entire foundation of the roster under contract at least through next season.
Being just 35 years old gives Mazzulla an easy time relating to his players, especially when you have guys like Al Horford on the team who are older than him.
You’ve got to be happy for Mazzulla.
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