Coming very close to the Finals, after overcoming a 3-0 deficit against the Heat before losing in Game 7 in the conference final, Joe Mazzulla had a first season like this last series: very turbulent .
He was appointed, at just 34 years old and one month before the start of the 2022/23 season, coach of the Celtics after the unexpected sidelining of Ime Udoka, suspended for having violated the franchise’s internal regulations, having an extramarital affair with a member of his staff.
And he was not helped by the departures of assistants Will Hardy, during the summer, and Damon Stoudamire on the move. Not ideal conditions to start his career, especially since Joe Mazzulla changed the philosophy of the Celtics, which disturbed the players. The circumstances of this first season were therefore incredible, while those of the second are logically much calmer.
“In my opinion, he is more comfortable,” confides Al Horford when talking about his coach, for The Athletic. “I think last season he did as best he could, doing a remarkable job. This year, he’s making his mark on the team with the way he wants things done. He has left his mark, he sets the tone on the details, on what he expects in all facets: bodybuilding, the field, the preparation. Last season, he got the job a few days before training camp so it was difficult to establish all that. »
“I find that he is better integrated into his role. That’s where the difference lies.”
Joe Mazzulla has thus modified the Celtics calendar on a daily basis and the days are “no longer scheduled”underlines Sam Hauser.
“The whole structure of the day is different,” continues the replacement. “I think it’s more in line with what he envisioned. He was promoted to coach last year and didn’t have the opportunity to establish what he wanted to do during training camp. I find that he is better integrated into his role. This is where the difference lies. »
There is also no doubt that the coach is better supported in his mission. To support him, Brad Stevens recruited Sam Cassell, Charles Lee and Phil Pressey. This is essential to carry out specific tasks with a group of 15 players. Joe Mazzulla knows it, having been an assistant coach.
“When I was in that position, I was pretty good at taking care of players who don’t play a lot, from the 8th to the 15th man,” he remembers. “It was my job. I was on the floor with them every day and I felt like I was in the same pool as them. With my state of mind from last season, I probably lost contact with these players. I didn’t manage those relationships the way I should have, the way I did as an assistant. »
By getting closer to the players and the field, the Celtics coach regains sensations and habits.
“I am on the ground every day. When you’re a coach, you sometimes tend to get stuck in your office, because you’re worried about the next match to prepare for. But being on the floor, making sure the meetings go well, is important. That’s another reason why I feel more comfortable, because that’s how I gave my best when I was an assistant, being on the field with them. »
