Joe Mazzulla Encourages Celtics Players To Use Their Platform, ‘Way More Important Than Basketball’

Joe Mazzulla was hired as an assistant coach of the Boston Celtics in 2019. Three years later, he was promoted to head coach and has won 211 of his 292 regular-season games since taking the job.

Celtics fans have grown to know and love the always outspoken young head coach.

So when he was asked about the ongoing unrest in Minneapolis, Minn., his response should come as a surprise to none.

“At the end of the day, everybody is impacted by things differently,” Mazzulla said. “Everyone has a way they use their platform differently… I’d rather have those conversations with them, and let them feel any way that they can to impact the platform that they have — which is way more important than basketball.

“We have a great group of guys that do that in different ways; some do it in the public, some do it in the private. And I think you just allow for people to do that. That’s my favorite thing, being around them as men — whether they’re fathers, husbands, or just guys that have impact on people. That’s the most important thing you can do.”

Mazzulla was then asked if he is “nudging” his players to participate in the conversation, to which he replied that he intentionally is not.

“It’s kind of different because everyone is on a different path,” Mazzulla said. “I think it’s more just about listening and allowing people to be who they are, and kind of have a judgment-free zone and just looking at people as more than just basketball players…

“How can I help you with your platform. How can I be there for you? And then just give them the space to be who they are.”