Ime Udoka Discusses Retaining Joe Mazzulla While Head Coach of Boston Celtics

Before his first game coaching against the Celtics since exiting the franchise, Ime Udoka shared why he kept Joe Mazzulla when forming his staff in Boston.

In 2021, Ime Udoka was hired to be head coach of the Boston Celtics. Udoka previously had experience as an assistant coach with the San Antonio Spurs, Philadelphia 76ers, and Brooklyn Nets, and he is the current bench boss of the Houston Rockets.

During his lone season coaching in Boston, Udoka made the decision to retain Joe Mazzulla as an assistant coach. Per Inside The Celtics, the 46-year-old credits the front office and players for this decision.

"I kept him and Tony Dobbins, and there were a few guys that were highly recommended, not only by the front office and the people that were here, but by the players as well, and I took, especially Marcus (Smart), Jaylen (Brown), Jayson (Tatum), Al (Horford), the veterans, I took heavily regarding who they liked and who they wanted to keep. And so, obviously, I didn't know much about them beforehand, and then, obviously, getting a chance to work with those two, Joe and Tony, throughout the year, I got to know them.”

Udoka also named Brad Stevens when specifying who recommended Mazzulla.

“In general, I always say I want guys that are ambitious, and you see that with Will Hardy and now Ben Sullivan, and Joe will fit into the same mold of guys that want to be head coaches, and I think it sharpens the whole group up. And so, in general, I didn't know a ton coming in other than good recommendations from players and coaches or the front office, Brad (Stevens) specifically, and got to know him and see why he's having success here."

In Mazzulla’s first season as the Celtics’ head coach, they made an Eastern Conference Finals appearance. This season, at 30-9, Boston currently holds the best record in the NBA.

Further Reading

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Here's What Stood Out as Celtics Steamrolled Rockets in Ime Udoka's Return

Ime Udoka Shares How He Felt After Celtics Suspended Him: 'We've Talked It Out'

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Jrue Holiday Responds to Celtics Saying He's Sacrificing Most: 'Not Mad at My Situation'

Driven by Championship Pursuit, Jayson Tatum Unfazed by Sacrifice, Less Fanfare: 'Don't Look for That Praise'

Brad Stevens Shares What Celtics Are Looking to Add and How He Hopes to Do So

Derrick White Opens Up About Journey from Uncertainty He Belonged in the NBA to an All-Star Caliber Guard

Jaylen Brown Quieting Doubters, Validating What He Always Believed: 'Earn Everybody's Trust'

Joe Mazzulla Discusses Identity, Evolution of Celtics' Offense: 'Balance of Pace and Execution'

Jaylen Brown Shares His View of What Defines 'Celtics Basketball'