Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
Joe Mazzulla Explains Benching Dalano Banton 26 Seconds into Second Half vs. 76ers
On Wednesday, the Boston Celtics picked up their second preseason victory against the Philadelphia 76ers, 112-101. Notably, Joe Mazzulla benched Dalano Banton 26 seconds into the second half.
Banton failed to secure a rebound off of a missed jump-shot from Tobias Harris, which deflected into the reach of PJ Tucker. Tucker and Payton Pritchard dove for the loose ball, while Banton lost positioning and didn't go to the floor to try to retrieve the rock.
According to The Boston Globe’s Adam Himmelsbach, Mazzulla wanted Banton to demonstrate more effort when battling for the loose ball.
“There’s nothing more important than holding people to a high standard, especially when you believe in them and know they can be really, really good. We have a roster of 1 through 17 that I truly believe in. It was just a good learning opportunity. There was a loose ball there and I thought he could have gotten it.”
Mazzulla later praised Banton’s coachability.
“Credit to him that he was able to take coaching and he responded really, really well. He has a chance to be a really good player in this league, and I just love the mentality that he brought to being coached and then responding. That’s super important, and I'm thankful that he allowed me to coach him.”
Ultimately, Banton registered four rebounds and one assist during a scoreless 16 minutes. The Celtics’ next preseason game is set for October 17th at 7:30 p.m. EST against the New York Knicks.
Further Reading
Here's What Stood Out in Celtics' Win vs. 76ers: Regulars Shine, Roster Battles Intensify
Oshae Brissett's Value to the Celtics on Full Display in Preseason
[Film Room] Lamar Stevens States Case for Celtics' Roster Spot
Here's Who Shined and Who Disappointed in Celtics' Loss vs. Knicks
The Latest on a Potential Celtics Extension with Jrue Holiday
Under Joe Mazzulla, Celtics Rebuilding Brotherhood Between Past and Present
