“ Blood! At least I would have liked », retorts Joe Mazzulla asked about “taste” of its parquet floor. During the ring ceremonythe Celtics coach stood out by kneeling before kissing the ground at TD Garden.
The explanation for his gesture? “ It was a way for me to express myself. The floor is where the blood, sweat and tears of the greats are found », he imagines.
“ I don't have the opportunity to go out on the field and dive for loose balls like I would like to do. It was a way to express the passion and gratitude I have for our team, for those who came before us and for what it means to be a Celtic. There's no better place than this city and this team, and being in the room with these people », he explains.
Aged 36, Joe Mazzulla has only known the Celtics since his first steps in NBA coaching. First assistant to Brad Stevens in 2019, he was propelled to the forefront in 2022, replacing Ime Udoka.
A tribute to previous legends
A year and a half after his tenure as head coach, he guided the legendary green house to an 18th title. A new banner, synonymous with an NBA record, the scope of which he fully realizes.
We better understand his homage to “those who came before” Jayson Tatum’s band. Many of them were present for the occasion: Bob Cousy, the “Big Three” of the 2008 title, Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen…
“ It was one of the most important elements of the evening. I told the guys to pay attention to the team, but also to the transmission coming from Cousy, Cedric Maxwell, Ray Allen, KG and Pierce », remarks the coach who finds his champion ring “ too big » to be able to wear it.
“ One of the best things about the Celtics is the people ahead of you. It wouldn't be the Celtics if these people hadn't taken their share of responsibility. They did it and it allows our team, the city to remain what it is », ends the coach, speaking of a “ standard » specific to his club.
