Each year before the NBA season tips off, the league's general managers -- or whoever they ask to do it for them -- fill out a survey about an abundance of topics regarding the upcoming campaign.
This go-around came with an appreciation for what might be Joe Mazzulla's best attribute: his ability to connect with people. Among the Association's head coaches, he and Steve Kerr of the Golden State Warriors received the third-most votes for the "best manager/motivator of people." Erik Spoelstra of the Miami Heat garnered the most votes. Ime Udoka of the Houston Rockets placed second.
As newcomer Josh Minott noted at the Boston Celtics' media day, "He doesn't talk to any two people the same way," he shared. "It's a blessing to be able to play for him."
"He's inspiring, truthfully," said the 22-year-old wing about his new bench boss. "Just from a month-and-a-half of knowing him, I feel like I'd run through a wall for him."
From Mazzulla going to Utah State with Neemias Queta to attending Chris Boucher's baptism and being there as Jayson Tatum rehabs, he consistently reinforces to his players that he cares about them on and off the court.
That instills trust. It lends itself to being able to coach the Celtics hard because his team knows and appreciates where the fourth-year bench boss is coming from. As reflected by Minott's testimony, it helps to get the most out of his players.
Joe Mazzulla's other recognition from the GM's survey
The annual survey of the NBA's general managers also saw Boston's head coach and Tyronn Lue of the Los Angeles Clippers tie for fourth among those in their position with the best defensive schemes.
Massachusetts native and head coach of the reigning NBA champions, the Oklahoma City Thunder, Mark Daigneault, generated the most votes. Udoka again came in second while Spoelstra received the third-most tallies.
The Celtics are employing a more aggressive and physical style defensively this season. It's one geared towards keeping opponents uncomfortable and forcing turnovers to fuel Boston's transition attack.
That was on display during the visitors' 121-103 victory vs. the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum. The Celtics forced 22 turnovers in their exhibition opener. They parlayed those into a 34-13 advantage in points off giveaways.
Boston has finished in the top five in yielding the fewest points per game in each of Mazzulla's three seasons at the helm. That includes ranking second in that category in the 2024-25 campaign. The ability to do so will be challenged more than it ever has in his tenure as the Celtics' head coach. However, this change in how they operate to fit their personnel will help maximize the group they have.