The Boston Celtics gave head coach Joe Mazzulla a multi-year contract extension earlier this month. That move affords the organization stability and gives its bench boss peace of mind. Both send a clear signal that can help get the best from the team in an expected gap year from title contention.
"This is truly a blessing," said Mazzulla when the Celtics put out a press release to announce the news. "I would not be here without my faith, my wife, and my children. We are thankful for the partnership with our ownership groups, Brad's mentorship, and the support of our staff.
"Most importantly, I am grateful for the players I have been able to coach the past three seasons. I look forward to competing for the Celtics and the city of Boston."
Wyc Grousbeck shared the motive behind the decision to extend Mazzulla on the heels of the franchise sale closing.
"I think Bill and I both felt, and Brad, that it was a great thing to lock in Joe and have him be happy and empowered," Grousbeck told Adam Himmelsbach of the Boston Globe. "We're trying to empower Joe to be the championship coach that he is, and I love the way he energizes the team."
The opportunity that awaits Joe Mazzulla
In his four years at the helm, Mazzulla has quickly become one of the NBA's top bench bosses. He went from getting thrown in the fire, making the jump from sitting in the second row, to guiding the Celtics to Banner 18.
Hired as the Association's youngest active head coach at 34, he has a 182-64 regular-season record and is 33-17 in the playoffs. Mazzulla has also earned Eastern Conference Coach of the Month four times.
Now, he faces a new challenge. Jayson Tatum is rehabbing a torn Achilles. Boston parted with players like Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis to help get below the second apron. That flexibility will help the team return to title contention.
It also provides Mazzulla with an opportunity that will make it easier for fans and detractors alike to appreciate what he brings to the table.
"I'm really excited to see what he does in this kind of environment," Chisholm told Himmelsbach. "I think people will really appreciate what he's all about. When he doesn't have the loaded team, what can he do? And I think that's going to be really interesting, and I have every confidence he's going to crush it."