The foundation of the Boston Celtics' foundation got shook. Jayson Tatum tore his Achilles tendon. And after consecutive campaigns over the second apron, the franchise had to prioritize flexibility. It's a bill they had no problem paying, since they're aggressive approach led to banner 18.
However, their roster's makeover and the absence of a four-time All-NBA First Team selection meant changes were coming.
Offensively, the system the team's mainstays had grown comfortable with is now incorporated into a much different approach. At the other end of the floor, the Celtics are far more aggressive. As they hunt for steals, they're foul rate has soared, and they're ok with it.
Players aren't just acclimating to a new method on both sides of the ball; a defining characteristic of this roster is that individuals are taking on new responsibilities.
That applies from Jaylen Brown at the top, who now takes the floor as his team's best scorer, to Anfernee Simons adapting to a sixth-man role, and rookie Hugo Gonzalez arriving from Real Madrid.
The current brought on by this sea of change is pushing this group out of its comfort zone, and Boston's bench boss is relishing that.
Mazzulla on the Celtics leaving their comfort zone
On the heels of Tuesday's practice at the Auerbach Center, a day before hosting the 15-2 Detroit Pistons, Joe Mazzulla shared a thoughtful and detailed outlook on his team pushing beyond familiarity into the unknown.
"We should be out of our comfort zone. A new group playing a different way on both ends. A completely different roster. And then you got a group of guys that are, in my opinion, and they're doing a great job of it, they're learning how to be consistently good in the NBA every single night," voiced Mazzulla.
"You can't do that in training camp. You can't do that in practice. That just comes with time. So, that's good that we feel that way. There's been signs of growth, signs of getting better, and there's been signs of inconsistency at all levels. And we just have to continue to fight for that and continue to execute that."
As they do so, the Celtics have gotten off to a 9-8 start. They're in 10th in the Eastern Conference standings. However, what's happening that's far more important is the individual growth taking place throughout the roster.
As players acclimate to a new approach on both ends of the floor, individuals like Neemias Queta, Jordan Walsh, Josh Minott, Gonzalez, Baylor Scheierman, and more are parlaying the chance Boston took on them into showcasing that they can help this franchise contend for future championships.