Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports
Shams Charania Takes Temperature of the League on Joe Mazzulla
In a recent appearance on Jones & Mego with Arcand on WEEI, senior NBA Insider Shams Charania recently talked about the league's perspective on Joe Mazzulla.
Mazzulla, who has hit the ground running since getting thrown into the fire last season, is closing in on win no. 100 as coach of the Boston Celtics. In his second season as the C's head coach, the Johnston, Rhode Island native has guided them to an NBA-leading 42-12 record. They're four games ahead of the second-best team in the Association, the Minnesota Timberwolves.
After taking the temperature of how some around the NBA view Mazzulla, Charania shared, "Around the league, he has been known as someone who has obviously paid the dues [and] has been working and grinding at it for several years now. I haven't heard much other than the hardworkingness."
The second-year bench boss is placing more of his imprint on this iteration of the Celtics, including instructing them to crash the glass more, especially from the corners, to create more possessions. It's a prime example of how he's helping his team win on the margins.
It also captures that Mazzulla maximized his first full summer of preparation, an offseason in which he also took full advantage of his first chance to select his own coaching staff. In adding individuals like Sam Cassell and Charles Lee, he's assembled one of the best staffs in the Association.
Further Reading
Jayson Tatum's Approach vs. Nets Tale of Two Halves and Steadfast Commitment
Jaylen Brown on Altercation with Duncan Robinson: 'I Bet You He Won't Do It Again'
Brad Stevens Discusses Celtics' Plan for Final Roster Spot
Jaden Springer Responds to Daryl Morey’s Comments About His Value
Brad Stevens Sheds Light on Celtics' Motivations for Xavier Tillman Trade
Xavier Tillman Shares Marcus Smart's Message After Trade to Celtics
Brad Stevens Discusses Value Jeff Van Gundy's Adding to Celtics
Celtics Swing Savvy Deal with 76ers for Jaden Springer
Marcus Smart Shares How Boston Shaped Him, His Message to Celtics Fans
Celtics Maturation Molded by Experience: 'It Builds, Like, an Armor'
Fixated on Winning, Jayson Tatum Again Proves He's Not 'Bored Making the Right Play Over and Over'
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'
