Getty
Joe Mazzulla, Boston Celtics
When Brad Stevens began to usher in a retooling phase for the Boston Celtics, most of the fanbase was expecting a difficult transition period.
After all, Jayson Tatum had just gone down with an Achilles injury, and key contributors to the 2024 NBA championship were being shown the exit door. Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis both left via trade. Al Horford and Luke Kornet walked in free agency.
However, while the fanbase was voicing its concerns on social media, it would appear that head coach Joe Mazzulla was quietly excited of the upcoming season.
When speaking with Heavy on Sports, in partnership with “nicokick” nicotine pouches, former Celtics player-turned-coach Evan Turner revealed a conversation he had with Mazzulla before the current season began.
“I think Joe, his mentality has always been like, ‘yo, let’s go out and get it.’ Even in summer, when I’m like, ‘damn, Jayson’s down,” Turner said. “We went to this UFC fight, Joe and I. He’s just like, ‘no, it’s gonna be fun. It will give me an opportunity to, try out some different lineups, get creative and actually coach a little bit more.’”
Clearly, Mazzulla’s coaching has been paying off, as the Celtics currently find themselves second in the Eastern Conference, and looking good value for a potential run to the NBA Finals.
Turner Believes In Celtics Tatum And Brown
In the same conversation, Turner also shared his thoughts on the consistent discussion surrounding Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, and whether they’re capable of co-existing on the same team.
“I think it’s funny ’cause I’ve seen it up close,” Turner said. “After the first few minutes when I was around ’em, I’m like, oh, these dudes don’t hate on it. Like, they like each other. They have ultimate respect for each other.”
Turner continued.
“ There was no negative, no side eye, no anything. They know who they are, they know where they’re going… Those dudes are elite, and I think as young individuals, young men, you just gotta let ’em sit back and cook and let them rock this generation.”
Tatum and Brown have spent their entire careers together in Boston. They’ve been incredibly successful. As such, it’s strange that their partnership and how it impacts the Celtics are still such significant talking points regarding the team.
Turner Praises Celtics’ Brad Stevens
Turner also weighed in on Brad Stevens success within the Celtics front office.
“ Brad’s very intentional,” Turner said. “He’s not one of those guys who like to fly by the seat of their pants. So it’s not like, ‘hey, I saw this guy one time. I’m going off my gut instinct.’ Brad, he’s a numbers guy. He looks up numbers, looks up guys’ backgrounds, but he’s also a killer himself. So, he loves guys who compete. And I think he gets a lot out of how guys approach the game, how well they work, and how badly they compete.”
Turner continued.
“ I think one thing that Brad always preaches is just like, ‘hey, you need guys that are mentally strong and will go through the wall (for you). Because that’s who they are. And, I think with Brad you see that in everything he does.”
Stevens won the NBA Basketball Executive of the Year award for the 2023-24 season. He has consistently made underrated moves in the trade and free agency markets, while finding hidden gems in the draft.
And for that, Celtics fans can be confident that the team will be competitive as long as Stevens resides within the front office.
Adam Taylor is a basketball reporter covering the Boston Celtics, Los Angeles Lakers, Golden State Warriors, New York Knicks and Miami Heat for Heavy. He holds bylines for CelticsBlog, USA Today and Yardbarker. Adam also covers the WWE and AEW. He has a bachelor’s degree in creative writing from Open University. More about Adam Taylor
More Heavy on Celtics
Loading more stories