Mitchell Robinson has embraced Joe Mazzulla’s demanding coaching style as the Boston Celtics center adjusts to a more active offensive role following his move from the New York Knicks.
“He get on my ass a lot,” Robinson said of Mazzulla after Boston’s 114-93 preseason victory over the Charlotte Hornets on Wednesday. “Which I, you know, need that.”
Robinson explained that the Celtics head coach has been pushing him to improve specific aspects of his game, including his screening, effort and decision-making in pick-and-roll situations.
“Not sprinting, not setting good screen, letting the guy go under,” Robinson said when asked what Mazzulla criticizes him about.
The 28-year-old center made it clear that he welcomes the direct approach and does not take the criticism personally.
“I don’t take no hard feelings to it. I embrace it and, you know, make adjustments,” Robinson said.
The former Knicks big man signed a three-year, $47.4 million contract with Boston during the 2026 offseason. He is expected to help anchor the Celtics’ frontcourt alongside Neemias Queta as the team enters a new era following the trade of Jaylen Brown to Philadelphia and the arrival of Paul George.
MORE FOR YOU
Robinson recorded 12 points, seven rebounds and three blocks against Charlotte, making all five of his field-goal attempts in 17 minutes. His performance came as Boston continued its preseason preparations under Mazzulla, with the center describing a more involved role than the one he had in New York.
“I’m in a lot of actions on the offensive side,” Robinson said. “Over there I was just like set one screen, roll, you know, be going on the other side and then maybe come back. But like this one, I’m like in every action.”
Robinson said his responsibilities now include setting flare screens, pin-downs and ball screens, keeping him involved in the offense beyond the traditional pick-and-roll.
Asked whether he enjoys the increased involvement, he answered simply: “Yeah. I feel more involved and it’s like kind of, you know, work out in my favor.”
That role also requires Robinson to develop chemistry with Boston’s guards and understand their preferences when operating in screening actions. He highlighted communication as a key part of that process.
“It’s been great,” Robinson said of building chemistry with his new teammates. “Just talking to him, you know, see what he like and he see what I like and stuff like that. So, pretty much just a lot of communication.”
He also praised Payton Pritchard’s speed, ball-handling and understanding of the game, explaining that learning how his teammates prefer to use screens should help the offense function more smoothly.
Robinson also discussed playing alongside Queta, with the two centers sharing the floor during a productive stretch early in the second quarter. Boston outscored Charlotte 12-3 to open the period with the pair together.
“Both talented players,” Robinson said. “And the way he can just put on the floor and he’s very smart. He’s a smart player.”
While acknowledging that the partnership still needs work, Robinson expressed confidence in what the two big men could accomplish together.
“A lot of things we got to clean up, but I feel like we’re gonna be pretty good,” he said.
Robinson also explained why the increased offensive involvement matters to him. After years of concentrating primarily on screens, rolls and other less celebrated tasks, he feels Boston is rewarding that work with greater opportunities to contribute.
“It feel amazing,” Robinson said. “It’s like they appreciate me from doing all the dirty work.”
He believes the relationship between those responsibilities and his offensive opportunities can reinforce his overall contribution.
“The more dirty work I get, the more chance I get on the offensive side,” Robinson said. “So, like, kind of go hand in hand.”
