BOSTON — While the Celtics fell short of their goal of going back-to-back, they still had an overall stellar season. They won 61 games, set a franchise record for road victories and notched other impressive marks along the way.
So, Boston president Brad Stevens only had complimentary words when talking about Joe Mazzulla, who wrapped up his third season leading the Celtics. Stevens spoke at his end-of-season media availability Monday, mostly reflecting on the season and not speaking much about the organization’s upcoming offseason plans.
“Joe’s great,” Stevens said. “Joe’s done a great job. ... We’re lucky that we have Joe here, we’re lucky that we have the staff that we have here, and we’re thankful.”
Mazzulla, 36, has compiled a 182-64 record over his three seasons in Boston. He’s also gone back-to-back years leading 60-plus win teams as the Celtics have been a model of consistency.
The C’s fell short in the playoffs, so Mazzulla got some criticism for how he handled the second-round series against the Knicks, though so did the entire team. That’s how life goes in a “what have you done for me recently” type of league. But the C’s have rallied around Mazzulla in recent seasons.
The Celtics are set for an offseason of change coming off an impressive two-year period. While the C’s couldn’t get back to the mountaintop, Mazzulla did lead this same core to the 2024 NBA title. The franchise will likely have to shed salary this summer due to luxury tax penalties. For now, that’s all set for the near-future as the front office will come together in the next few weeks to decide their path going forward.
“The CBA has been well-known for years,” Stevens said. “So there are penalties associated with being at certain levels, and we know that. You just weigh that. You weigh where we are. You weigh everything else then you make those decisions. You have to have the clarity of a full season and a full playoffs and, like I said, a couple good night’s sleep. Then everybody gets in a room and put your heads together and figure out what’s next.”