Joe Mazzulla Shares His Perspective on His Place in the City of Boston

Shortly before media day and training camp, Joe Mazzulla made the unexpected leap from sitting behind the Celtics' bench a season ago to becoming the NBA's youngest active head coach.

The 34-year-old Johnston, Rhode Island, native navigated the turmoil surrounding the franchise, injuries consistently keeping players out of a lineup often missing at least one starter from its run to the Finals a year ago, and the latter combining with boredom and fatigue translating to Boston losing 5/8 games shortly after the All-Star break.

The Celtics finished the regular season with a 57-25 record, the second-best mark in the NBA, placing Mazzulla in elite company.

Most regular-season wins by a rookie head coach in Celtics history:

1. Bill Russell – 60
2. Joe Mazzulla – 57 pic.twitter.com/ehTlVA3yux
— Taylor Snow (@taylorcsnow) April 9, 2023

That also resulted in Boston's first-year bench boss being named one of three finalists for the NBA's Coach of the Year award.

Ahead of the Celtics' 112-99 win against the Hawks in their playoff opener, a game played on One Boston Day, a chance to honor the tenth anniversary of the Boston Marathon Bombing, Mazzulla conveyed the following about his place in the sports-crazed city he coaches in.

"This shirt represents what this city has gone through"

Joe Mazzulla says it's an honor to coach in Boston, especially with the Boston Marathon coming up pic.twitter.com/k1LIVxrzzn
— Celtics on NBC Sports Boston (@NBCSCeltics) April 15, 2023

"I think it's an honor and a privilege to coach in this city. It's one of the most well-rounded cities. It's a place that I love to be. And I think we have a responsibility to what's come before us, not only in sports but off the court, just areas that we can have a positive impact. And this shirt represents that. It represents, kind of, what the city has gone through and how they've persevered. But also that I don't take for granted that I'm in a position where I can help others and be a positive impact on others, and I think that's key."

Further Reading

The Celtics Give Their Evaluation of Battle on the Boards in Game 1 Win vs. Hawks

The Celtics Discuss Their Game 1 Win vs. the Hawks: 'We Can't Take Our Foot Off the Gas'

Here's What Stood Out in Celtics' Game 1 Win vs. Hawks: Championship-Caliber Defense Propels Hosts in Series Opener

Jaylen Brown Provides Update on Injured Shooting Hand, Opens Up About Playing Hometown Hawks

The Celtics Are Pushing Robert Williams to Take His Offense to the Next Level

Joe Mazzulla and Brad Stevens Discuss How the Celtics' Head Coach Has Grown in His First Year at the Helm: 'He's Been a Great Strength for Us'

Jayson Tatum is Ready for the Challenges that Await the Celtics in the Playoffs: 'We've Not Been Waiting for it But Working for it'

Jaylen Brown on His Relationship with Jayson Tatum: 'We’re a Part of Each Other’s Destiny'