Joe Matzra has already won the NBA Finals in his first three seasons as head coach for the Boston Celtics, and he believes Paul Pierce can end his career as one of the best coaches in franchise history.
After the 2022 NBA season, it looked like the Boston Celtics are in the NBA class. They lost the final to the Golden State Warriors, but there was a nonsense coach in the elite young core and Imedoka.
Off-court problems caused Udoka to be fired after a successful first season, and young assistant coach Joe Matzra gave him the reins and quickly succeeded.
With three straight playoff appearances and one championship already under his belt, it’s not unpopular to think he could ultimately pass Red Auerbach as the longest coach in franchise history.
During Paul Pierce’s 16 season career with the Celtics, he played for four head coaches, especially Doc Rivers.
The Celtics usually have continuity with their coaches, with Udoka’s termination being the exception to the rules. The NBA’s most successful franchise appears to add to the trophy case after Jason Tatum recovers from his injury, so Pierce considers Matzlla the perfect guy to lead the team.
“I love Mazra,” praised the legend. “He fits the Boston mentality. I like him being younger. He has a relationship with the players. He’s younger than us. He’s from Boston so I grew up watching us. I like his mentality. I like his press conferences.”
Mazzulla is known for his team to be completely buying into his “most important” mindset, but for being dull, short and often odd with reporters.
“He’s the nonsense type of coach, but the players love him,” Pierce added. “He’s perfect. He’ll be there for a long time.”
In 2021, Brad Stephens resigned as head coach to take over as president of basketball operations. He handed the torch (and the full roster) to Udoka, which was eventually inherited by Matzra.
NBA coaches usually don’t resign. Often they are fired and the team is scrambled. As the first year head coach, Mazzola was given a roster worthy of a star and elite supporting cast title, and he quickly worked and quickly established a successful playstyle.
Mazzulla interviewed the role of head coaching for the Utah Jazz in 2022, but was beaten up by Will Hardy, who has yet to have a winning season. Hardy’s journey as a first-year head coach, starting from scratch, was far more “normal” in the NBA, and Mazzola was given an opportunity to succeed immediately.
He certainly deserves a flower to make the most of his chances!
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