Joe Mazzulla, Boston Celtics
Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images
Joe Mazzulla, Boston Celtics
Since taking over as the Boston Celtics head coach, Joe Mazzulla has led contending-level teams. The roster he inherited from Ime Udoka was coming off the back of an NBA Finals loss to the Golden State Warriors.
As such, the 2025-26 season will be the first time Mazzulla has been tasked with coaching a retooling roster. His focus must be on player development, rather than pushing for a deep postseason run.
According to Celtics insider Chris Forsberg, Mazzulla’s change in role this season will mean that he’s entering a “prove it” year, despite signing a multi-year extension earlier this summer.
“Now, with a much different roster and without the team’s MVP, I want to see what Joe can do with a squad with lower expectations and less talent,” Forsberg wrote in a September 1 article. “He has the extension in hand, but this is the prove-it year for Joe Mazzulla to show he is a top-tier coach in the NBA.”
Since becoming Boston’s head coach, Mazzulla has tallied 182 wins and 64 losses in the regular season, giving him a 74% win ratio. He’s also led the Celtics to 33 postseason wins in 50 outings.
It will be interesting to see how competitive the current iteration of Boston’s roster will be next season.
The Boston Celtics Front Court Is An Issue
Cost-cutting and retooling measures have most affected Boston’s front court.
Brad Stevens has seen Luke Kornet, Kristaps Porzingis, and likely Al Horford leave the franchise this summer.
He has replaced them with Luka Garza and Chris Boucher. The franchise also added Amari Williams to that rotation after drafting him in the second round and signing him to a two-way contract.
Due to the significant loss of both experience and “ready to compete” talent, the Celtics front court will be a key area to watch develop in the coming months. How Mazzulla navigates those challenges will be a key indicator of the type of season the Celtics have in store.
Derrick White Backs Neemias Queta To Shine
During a recent episode of the “White Noise” podcast, Celtics guard Derrick White shared his thoughts on Queta receiving an expanded role.
“I think Joe has always been super hard on him for the last couple of years to prepare him for something like this,” White said. “Obviously, he’s going to have to have a big year, and we’re going to ask a lot out of him, which is exciting… He’s a guy who works hard, competes at a high level, and is just continuing to learn what works and what doesn’t in the NBA.”
White continued.
“We’re super excited for Neemias… I’m a big fan; he’s had so many different moments in these last two years. He’s helped us win games, or he’s changed the momentum of a game. It’s a big role for him.”
Queta will likely step into a starting role for the Celtics next season. He’s arguably the most experienced big on the roster and has been showing out for Portugal at this summer’s FIBA EuroBasket tournament.
It will be interesting to see his improvements throughout the season and whether he can stake his claim to become Boston’s long-term starting center. For now, though, Mazzulla and the coaching staff must find ways to ensure the new-look frontcourt can thrive, and that will likely mean a change in offensive and defensive approach.
It’s going to be a fun, but interesting season, that’s for sure.