There was a lot of skepticism regarding Joe Mazzulla’s work when he temporarily took over the Boston Celtics, but Jayson Tatum was a key factor in the decision.
According to website Stadium, Jeff Goodman, the star “banned” the then assistant as the team’s coach.
“Jayson Tatum was a huge asset to Joe Mazzulla, according to the sources I spoke with. Basically, Tatum did everything for Mazzulla to be the coach. So when Tatum sides with someone, it makes it a lot easier for others to follow suit.” Goodman said.
“Ime Udoka was Marcus Smart’s favourite so it was tough. But we’ve seen comments from Smart recently and I know he was pissed off and I think everyone liked Ime. But when your best player goes all out for someone else, the other players follow. And now the team is succeeding.” Goodman added.
Indeed, the Celtics currently have the best record in the NBA. That’s 18 wins in 23 games, and Tatum is currently leading the MVP race. But the team isn’t just about the two of them.
Jaylen Brown has had a career-best season and Smart has become one of the leaders in assists. However, the signing of Malcolm Brogdon, who became a reserve in Boston, is celebrated by the management.
Tatum understands the significance of his collaboration with Brown, but he always shows that Boston’s success is also due to Mazzulla’s efforts.
The transition from one coach to another in the NBA is not easy, but indeed that the interim has been part of the team since 2019/20 makes the job easier.
Mazzulla is poor as a Celtics coach due to existing reasons, but the Massachusetts team still has a deal with Udoka, who is banned for one year. Although there are still those who want his return, it is possible that the board will release him.
