Within the void left behind by Invoice Belichick, Joe Mazzulla’s introverted-ness has risen to the event. And no, I’m not speaking in regards to the Boston Celtics giving the New England space a front-runner they desperately want. Mazzulla is the boorish head coach of a serious skilled franchise that the affable Jerod Mayo isn’t.
After a yr of getting his {qualifications}, his background, his teaching acumen, and his readiness questioned, Mazzulla has taken a combative strategy to his league-mandated media obligations. Except you ask him about The City, he’s a geyser.
Mazzulla’s favourite film is nearly the one time you’ll generate a optimistic response out of him when it doesn’t pertain to the small print of a Celtics win. Mazzulla will get completely indignant at occasions, particularly when he has the excessive floor.
He’s not as dry as ole William Belichick, however he carries himself with an identical anti-media disposition. Answering robust questions is the worst a part of everybody’s job. Think about having to do it day by day. While you look at a bit nearer, Mazzulla’s reasoning is much less of a prick and extra of a clumsy persona.
Belichick mastered the artwork of conversational minimalism. “On to Cincinnati” will most likely be carved into his tombstone someday. He would say as little as potential if he didn’t determine the query was adequate. Mazzulla, alternatively, conducts himself like he’s gripping dumbbells which might be too heavy with the stress of a bodybuilder.
After Boston obliterated the Philadelphia 76ers in Recreation 2 of their semifinal collection final Could, Mazzulla ended his press convention with a sarcastic remark inquiring if anybody was within the changes he’d made.
Discovering the matters Mazzulla does care about requires poking and prodding and mashing buttons. He was proactive following a win over the San Antonio Spurs about not getting questions associated to Victor Wembanyama. However when a reporter requested him about Pascal Siakam being traded to the Indiana Pacers, Mazzulla abruptly lower off the query.
“Save your self the remainder of the query. I don’t actually care,” Mazzulla interrupted.
In early November, Mazzulla informed the media that he didn’t care how he was perceived after he challenged a name throughout the waning minutes of a bloody win over the Raptors.
When requested by Washburn if he was involved about his relationship with opposing NBA coaches after working up the rating on the Chicago Bulls of their In-Season Event group stage finale, Mazzulla responded, “How can I say this properly — I don’t care.”
However he does have love for the brand new Patriots coach.
“He does have my help and I can’t wait to go over there and sit with him, and simply study from him,” Mazzulla mentioned Wednesday.
Buddy, choose a lane. Half the time, Mazzulla oscillates between quips, sarcasm, and annoyance — so no less than he’s acquired vary.
No person would confuse Mazzulla with a coach who has all of it discovered but, which is why his vanity can rub individuals even worse. However his distinct animosity in the direction of reporters has an especially Belichickian vibe. Boston sports activities media might be tough and Mazzulla is attempting to be rougher. Happily for him, he’s on prime of the world. He helms a Celtics group that’s threatening to be the wire-to-wire prime group out east.
