Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has shared his admiration for some of the NBA’s biggest names, while also congratulating Boston Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla on his recent contract extension.
Speaking in Palermo, Guardiola told reporters that basketball has long been a significant part of his life. He praised Mazzulla — a personal friend — for securing a new deal with the reigning NBA champions, saying, “I love it,” according to NBA insider Marc Stein.
The Spanish coach, who has guided City to multiple Premier League titles and a Champions League trophy, revealed that his favorite modern NBA players since the Michael Jordan era are Stephen Curry, Luka Doncic and LeBron James.
Curry, the Golden State Warriors’ two-time MVP, has redefined perimeter shooting in basketball. Doncic, now with the Los Angeles Lakers after a blockbuster trade earlier this year, continues to dominate as one of the league’s most versatile offensive threats. James, a four-time champion, remains a central figure in the sport as he enters the final stages of a legendary career.
Guardiola’s connection to basketball extends beyond casual fandom. He has often drawn parallels between coaching football and basketball, highlighting shared principles in spacing, movement and reading the game.
His mention of Mazzulla also reflects the growing cross-sport respect between elite coaches. The Celtics head coach led Boston to the 2024 NBA championship and recently agreed to an extension that keeps him at the helm for the foreseeable future.
