Boston Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla is known for having a unique approach to many aspects of the game, and one of the areas where his perspective differs from other NBA coaches is the concept of defending a title. While many coaches and players embrace the idea of defending a championship as a motivating factor, Mazzulla views it through a different lens.
In an appearance on the Locked On Celtics podcast, Mazzulla explained that he doesn’t necessarily subscribe to the traditional notion of “defending” a title. For him, each season is a fresh start, with new challenges, rosters, and dynamics. Instead of focusing on the past and trying to protect what was already won, Mazzulla believes it’s about continuously improving and adapting. He emphasizes the importance of growth and progression, rather than being anchored by the weight of last season’s success.
This philosophy aligns with his overall coaching style, which is rooted in adaptability and forward-thinking. Mazzulla’s approach encourages his players to stay focused on the present moment and the work that lies ahead, rather than being overly concerned with past accomplishments or external expectations. It’s a mindset that prioritizes development over defending a title, ensuring the team remains hungry and engaged, regardless of what they’ve achieved before.
“The phrase ‘defending a title’ is a very passive-aggressive term. If you look at the animal kingdom, some of the strongest animals don’t defend; they’re the most aggressive, and they attack the most,” Mazzulla said. “Whether you’ve won or haven’t won, your mindset can’t change. You have to understand what goes into winning and losing, commit to the details on a daily basis, and remain aggressive. You’re not defending something; you’re attacking a new goal.”
In the first part of the interview, Joe Mazzulla shared that he’s fully embracing the fact that the Boston Celtics will be targeted this year. Teams across the league will come at them hard, viewing the Celtics as one of the teams to beat. However, Mazzulla took this concept a step further than the traditional idea of having a target on their backs.
Rather than viewing it as added pressure or something to be cautious about, Mazzulla sees it as an opportunity. He believes that being targeted pushes the team to stay sharp, focused, and prepared for every challenge. For him, it’s not just about surviving the attention but thriving under it. He encourages his players to embrace the role of being a top contender, seeing the target as a symbol of their status in the league and as motivation to rise to the occasion every night.
Mazzulla’s perspective reflects his forward-thinking approach, where pressure is not a burden but an asset, fueling the team’s drive for continued success.
“People are gonna say the target is on our backs, but I hope it’s right on our forehead in between our eyes,” Mazzulla said about the upcoming season for the 2024 champions.
Joe Mazzulla: Celtics Aren't Defending a Title But Attacking A New Goal https://t.co/jc5kfHjncz
— RealGM (@RealGM) September 10, 2024
