Brad Stevens has made it clear he’s fully behind Boston Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla.
Despite criticism from parts of the fan base, especially after a disappointing exit from the 2025 NBA Playoffs, the front office executive is focused on the bigger picture, especially after Mazzulla led the Celtics to the championship last season, a credential that carries significant weight.
In a league where coaches often face dismissal after a single disappointing campaign, Stevens values consistency and appreciates the foundation Mazzulla has established.
“I think Joe’s great. Joe’s done a great job. I don’t think anyone in coaching ever thought it was certain. So I think uncertainty is what you sign up for in some ways. But listen, there’s so many things that go into winning and losing. … There’s other coaches that are really good, too, that’ll get their opportunities. But, yeah, we’re lucky that we have Joe here,” Stevens said, via Justin Turpin of WEEI.
Brad Stevens on Joe Mazzulla and the state of coaching;
“Joe is great. Joe has done a great job… We’re lucky to have Joe and the staff that we have here.” pic.twitter.com/dU4W9ISoea
— Justin Turpin (@JustinmTurpin) May 19, 2025
Mazzulla has proven more than capable of guiding the Celtics through the demands of an NBA season.
With an offense built around pace and perimeter shooting, Boston has been near the top of the Eastern Conference, accumulating 64 wins in 2023-24 and 61 this season.
His ability to manage star players Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown and Kristaps Porzingis demonstrates Mazzulla is capable of long-term success.
The narrative does shift when examining playoff performance.
His decision-making in crucial moments has drawn scrutiny, particularly after the Celtics’ difficulties in the 2023 Eastern Conference Finals against the Miami Heat and in Game 2 of the semifinals against the New York Knicks this year.
With substantial roster changes expected this offseason due to financial constraints, the Celtics appear committed to maintaining stability at head coach, even as the team around Mazzulla may look significantly different next season.
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