Since taking the reigns as the head coach of the Boston Celtics, Joe Mazzulla has split opinions among the fanbase. A first-time head coach with a distinctive analytical approach to the game, “Mazzulla ball” has been both entertaining and frustrating in equal measure. Last season, the rookie coach struggled with his new role, or at least the external factors that came with the job.
A major gripe amongst fans was how combative Mazzulla appeared to be during press conferences. Short answers. Sarcastic retorts. And sometimes, contentious remarks were all part of the inaugural Mazzulla experience. However, after a summer of reflection, the head coach has understood what led him to be that way, and looks to be far more relaxed in his role this season.
“By far, the biggest adjustment was that people gave a s— who you were,” Mazzulla told JJ Redick on a recent episode of “The Old Man and the Three” podcast. “I just couldn’t understand why that was something…I get that now. I understand that it does come with a different type of platform…The hardest adjustment was I’m an emotionally guarded person; I’m an introvert…Then I go from just hanging around the facility to running the facility. I wasn’t quite ready to let myself go emotionally.”
Mike Gorman has seen his fair share of Celtics coaches come and go. Heck, he’s seen almost everything in his 43-year tenure calling the games. In a recent appearance on the “Green With Envy” podcast, the veteran announcer detailed the growth he’s seen in Mazzulla this season.
“He was never comfortable last year with the role of being the coach,” Gorman said. “He wanted to be the coach, and he was comfortable at practice, and he was comfortable in games, but he wasn’t comfortable outside when he was walking down the street and someone was going to call him ‘Coach.’ He didn’t want that. And so, he internalized everything…So I would tell you that he’s come 180 degrees in terms of personality. I think now he’s comfortable with who he is and where he’s going. And he understands that he’s going to win some, he’s going to lose some, but he’s going to be in them. They don’t get blown out very much.”
Since taking over as the Celtics head coach, Mazzulla has amassed a winning record of 72-30 in the regular season. He also took the Celtics to the Eastern Conference Finals. For his detractors, Mazzulla fell…
Click Here to Read the Full Original Article at CelticsBlog – All Posts…