Appreciating Boston Celtics championship head coach Joe Mazzulla

Joe Mazzulla has been called crazy and whacky by his Celtics players, but they also love him, and for good reason. He's not your typical NBA head coach, but he's a champion, and he got there his own way. John Karalis of Boston Sports Journal shares some of Joe's most intense and endearing moments in an episode full of appreciation for a coach who made history in Boston.
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Locked On Celtics is a daily Boston Celtics podcast by Boston Sports Journal beat writer John Karalis. It's an inside look at the C's from a former professional basketball player who is at practices & games.
#BostonCeltics #Celtics #NBA #JaysonTatum #JaylenBrown

[@chrisgreene4739]

I just Ordered the book. I have watched every single game and listened to every single podcast this season and I can’t wait to put it on my coffee table!

[@LockedOnCeltics]

Thank you!!

[@d3peeto]

Mad respect for Mazzulla, someone who is dedicated to his players and upholds his values on and off the court. He doesn't say anything he doesn't mean and he never says more than what he needs to. He's direct and to the point, he doesn't like to mess around and isn't afraid to lose but rather learn from losses. A great teacher and leads his team with a positive force. The Jay's have truly blossomed under his coaching and I feel we have the right guys to continue this winning culture. Personally, I love that he's a man of faith. Whatever your opinion on religion may be, Joe has created a culture of humility, hard work, support and love. I think he's perfect for this team, a team broken by so much loss both on and off the court; Joe came in and steered it into a redemptive direction. What a man.

[@kimetienne2265]

I've been watching John Karalis for three years now. He's my first listen everyday. John and a cup of coffee every morning.

[@captainspartan04]

Same here. First year just fully listening to him and not all the other “media” and it made life so much more enjoyable

[@ericpirillo7363]

Joe is on tour because it’s probably the first time in 10 months he has left the gym. He’s enjoying the fresh air. Glad he’s Boston’s coach , unique guy !

[@chrisgreene4739]

Joe mazulla reminds me of Chevy Chase’ character in Caddy shack. He’s the Elon musk of basketball coaches. He’s a marine corps drill instructor in another life. He’s a quantum mechanics wizard that mastered alchemy and found the philosophers stone his techniques are so intelligent he doesn’t bother explaining them he just uses memes. He’s a Christian with rock solid faith that acts more like a 12 step sponsor than a coach He is a CHAMPION

[@dragonslayerthegod9284]

A 12 step sponsor 😂

[@spl1x]

"Be the ball, Jayson"

[@chrisgreene4739]

@@spl1x munna munna munna munna munna

[@PKahn-h1q]

When you surround yourself with talented coaches who have coached in the NBA before and you’re willing to listen and learn, obviously you’re going to improve leaps and bounds. Joe did an amazing job this year. Truly amazing.

[@juliusrickles]

Mazzulla is a thoughtful genius and badass with a good heart. He has given JB and Dwhite the opportunity to maximize their game. To some extent tatum and pritchard too

[@davighidetti8947]

Locked on Celtics is my favorite piece of Celtics content. I would like to say thank you John for this season of hardwork. Keep pushing! 🔥☘️👏

[@MandyGoldenGoddessFan]

I support John for the podcast everytime he does one even if I don't comment much i still make sure to watch the podcast ☘️☘️

[@LockedOnCeltics]

Thank you!

[@SpencerJ289]

Joe was awesome this year. Such an amazing coach. I think we have our coach of the next decade+.

[@spl1x]

I love the team's embrace of Joe's genius insanity.

[@mattpassos5689]

He's like Phil Jackson but instead of burning sage he shows the team vids of burning bodies and how close they were to the water 😂

[@tatt4music]

I have liked Joe from the start. He’s developed continuously. And did exactly what I knew he would. Get them to a title!!!!

[@danielthompson3928]

Mazzulla won’t admit it but he grew significantly. He refused to call timeouts or make adjustments last year and early in the season this year. I understand that he wanted the team to grow through the experience but he did not have to sacrifice games for that. Being able to adjust is also a skill. That said, I credit Mazzulla for getting those 3 games when they were down 0-3 last year. I knew he had heart and gumption and that fixed a lot of the Celtics’ issues like closing out games.

[@MR.Graham.]

Joe is that guy glad he’s our coach hearing all this is amazing

[@tylerriley2587]

Vs Tom Thibodeau who runs his guys into the ground

[@Brutip1]

I'll admit, I'm one of the people who doubted coach Mazzulla. I've grown to appreciate his approach and not just because they won it all even though that helps. He's helped expand my knowledge of the game in a way I've never thought about before. Shout out to Joe and staff on a great season. Also, appreciate your juneteenth comments John ✌🏾. Keep up the great work and coverage you do for this team.

[@nickgilday8946]

The more we learn about Joe's process, his dedication, the players dedication to him... Its okay to finally admit this is the coach for this team and he is better for THIS team than Ime. Sometimes crazy ish happens for everything to work out for the best. It's okay to have been wrong - you should be happy to be wrong. Joe has proven the doubters wrong and that is a exceptionally good thing.

[@QuietStormP]

Great season John. Mazulla has to be considered one of the top coaches now. The guy was exactly what the team needed. Combination of Brad and Ime. Can’t wait for free agency and the draft.

[@alexandermendez4653]

It took a while, but I've come around on Joe. The guy is killer on the mic and drops cold one liners all the time. Dude is absolutely based.

[@SpencerJ289]

Ordered my commemorative book John can’t wait to get it. I ordered a few for friends too always glad to support. Go Celtics ☘️🏆☘️

[@LockedOnCeltics]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@bobhinds-jm6rk]

Seems like the Celtics have strength and cohesiveness throughout the entire organization. Add to this that everyone seems to like each other and they all now have this experience to use in the future and things look very very bright!

[@Zini316]

I love the idea about defending the belt every night. I can totally see Joe doing that.

[@KWAPT]

Crazy to me people STILL doubting Joe-but hey, fck ‘em. I wasn’t thrilled with some of his methods & decisions early on, but then he won me over, in a big way. This guy was basically thrown to the wolves, had zero head coaching experience at the professional level and brought the Celts to the Finals. Twice! And helped us take it home this year. Salute Joe!!! Thank you John! 🦆🛥️1️⃣8️⃣☘️🔒

[@kevina1904]

Just ordered the book!!! I watched every si gle game and every single podcast this season. I'm so glad I found you before the season started. Thank you all your hard work and dedication!!!! Very much appreciated!

[@LockedOnCeltics]

Hope you enjoy it!

[@carolinadnm17]

Thanks John for appreciating whatJoe has done for the team. His growth from last year to this was both amazing and inspiring. I'm also going to buy your new book!

[@26pctfrom3]

You were right John. I'm an idiot. Joe did a great job last season with the team. I don't enjoy all the shooting because it looks passively passionless and lacking effort & excitement. But the results are undeniable and Brad & Joe deserve their credit great job...!!! 🍀💯

[@johnpazniokas1143]

The scary thing about Mazzulla (for the rest of the league) is that he seems to have a Belichickian grasp of the game he's coaching ... but he ALSO has a level of mastery of psychology. This could be a truly dark era for the other 29 fanbases.

[@marytanana4009]

I just ordered your book! I've watched every single podcast of yours for the past few years. Thanks for helping us get through some of the disappointing losses and celebrating the great wins and making sense of it all. Oh yeah, and thanks for introducing Craic Sauce to the world. 😂

[@LockedOnCeltics]

Thank you!!

[@boomataco]

My favorites was when joe tried to block someones heat check shot from half court at the end of a quarter lol

[@oliveistallon9657]

plsss.intact the team no trade coming...

[@stephenbakerjr267]

preordered the book. can't wait till it ships

[@dragonslayerthegod9284]

I friggin love it here 😩 💚

[@KingChris_617]

Connecticut? Gotta rock a Rhode Island shirt on Joe Mazzulla Appreciation Day, no?

[@tylerriley2587]

😁👏 he revealed that he and JT watched The Dark Knight that way Tatum can learn how to handle expectations and pressure in the playoffs.

[@michaelcoffey1991]

@John Like you I really would like some more post play then we do, but he won HIS way and I respect that. The only thing that really matters is as you said his top 2 star players bought in, and that let it be easier for joe to actually coach the team. Look forward to seeing you on that duck boat. I get some Spoelstra vibes in that he was also seen poorly until he won.. LBJ tried to get him out of Miami but pat Riley had the guts to say No to LBJ and the rest is Heat History

[@Joemondaking]

Woah woah woah the upload schedule won’t change for months? Sweet I hope it stays 5 days with mail bags and special interviews or guests

[@gunplabokitam2818]

6th game of the season, 1st loss vs Minnesota ( way before I found your podcast) got into a debate with a fellow fan who wanted Joe fired. What was frustrating, was not considering how good the wolves played, it was just illogical garbage and then insulting me for being a green teamer😅, the one thing I think to those that still don’t like him and the hill they will die on is this “Anybody can coach a team this talented team to the chip” and will be the thing they will fall back on which is sad. Thanfully I found your podcast this season, will the get book once I pay off all the championship gear for myself and my kids. Have a good one John and to the next podcast.

[@juliusrickles]

"Nut up" Joe

[@sirdzl7105]

JoeBot is the present and future

[@charlie12gage]

Maybe they can give Nemis more work he should be great!

[@mikotagayuna8494]

I am convinced that the team attends every practice and film session solely out of morbid curiosity of what insanity the coach has concocted for the day. Joe: I am off to the jungles of Costa Rica to undergo hardcore military training and tear myself down so I can build myself. JT: ... JB: ... KP: ... Al: ... Jrue: ... Derrick: GO MAKE US PROUD , COACH! PP: Why is everyone acting weird? This is what a normal guy would do after winning a chip. Obviously.

[@danielthompson3928]

You did not mention the fact that Mazzulla will have to rebuild his coaching team. There’s a few people heading out.

[@atiszviedris]

Interesting fact: Your surname Karalis in latvian means King....

[@brianreise2449]

☘️☘️👊

[@KickaboutTV]

Zingus playing in the Olympics?

[@LockedOnCeltics]

no

[@landonlakes4782]

☘️☘️☘️☘️☘️

[@juliusrickles]

I dont want to see KP until 2025 finals

[@bobfather7355]

Only 7? Most teams have 0,1or2.

[@johnnelson3665]

They won despite of him. Lol

[@tiagovalente10]

Psycho JOEEEEEE !!!!!!!

[@Benjielc3]

Was Waiting for a pod dedicated to Joe Mazzulla

[@tylerriley2587]

Me too

[@nathanmcdowell4731]

Genuinely got chills hearing that "They're not trying to kill you, you need them" from coach Joe to Tatum...massively inspirational

[@MR.Graham.]

Yo that gave me the same feeling bro

[@thatvladguy3817]

When did he say that

[@MR.Graham.]

@@thatvladguy3817 go listen to locked on Celtics show I think two days ago he said it

[@nathanmcdowell4731]

@@thatvladguy3817 Jon talks about it in this very podcast👍

[@dragonslayerthegod9284]

3:01 I said this at the start of the year!! Idk if you recall John, and I Wouldn’t even be surprised bcuz you truly make a fan feel heard/noticed. FAN INTERACTION!! ☘️

[@edoyle5150]

Just pre-ordered the book and I’m so excited for it to come in. Been following you since the 2022-23 season and your podcast is my favorite by far!!! 🏀☘️💕

[@LockedOnCeltics]

Thank you!!

[@d3peeto]

Sorry John, I’m just gonna spam here - I mean it helps the algorithm anyway. The media moving the goalposts once again is just ridiculous. I know they won’t change the sound of their tune but at a certain point these so called experts will soon be on par with their analysis and option on the game as your average fan, average obnoxious fan. I’m seeing everything from current NBA players trying to discredit JB’s MVP and media trying to discredit Celtics legitimacy as Champions. I see idiots posting about individual stats in a team game and talking about “what ifs.” I know I’m wasting my time with idiots but someone has to say something. I’m replying with legitimate facts and the silence is so sweet. I want to thank you once again for giving me the ammunition and at times the correct cadence to talk back to idiots. Rant over.

[@Kane-ez]

I really like joe since the beginning, he is so smart

[@rodrigo2112-]

As a software engineer, I recognized "what's wrong" with Mazzula from day one: he's a nerd. I hope Joe becomes our Spo, our Pop. He's unique and he's damn smart.

[@henryboeziiii1983]

If you want fans to appreciate Joe Mazzulla, .maybe you can find other ways to describe him other than "mad man" and "crazy:". How about 'unorthodox" or "unique"?

[@ApeMan-atwork]

Excellent pod with highly warranted subject matter! Most excellent, dude! ❤🔒☘🏀

[@bernarddunnom6718]

Locked on Hate I meant Heat 😂 seems to think the team went to Miami to celebrate just to rub it in their face 😂😂😂 It is pretty savage to do that n I love it 😂😂😂😂😂 ☘️🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆💪🏾

[@tylerriley2587]

Happy birthday to Joe Mazzulla his father is smiling down on him right now along with his hometown is very proud of him.

[@juliusrickles]

Stoic Joe. I knew he was the best coach in the league by allstar break. Id heard plenty of interviews to believe but i needed some proof on the court that players were buying in. I too think like Joe. But im not as thoughtful with my F yous

[@lonzfzz2323]

Imagine this, we could have another Auerbach!

[@NardiLo]

Been here since the pandemic so happy for this win, would love to work with you on your site. I’m a software engineer who bleeds green.

[@gileanilynnayie78]

He’s a savage and a genius! We sure do appreciate Joe Mazzulla! Whatever it takes!

[@PatReed-hz5ym]

Way to go Joe Mazzulla. You did it your way. Congratulations

[@TheLiceoeuclide]

Sorry John I got lost at a certain point during the season, who got the championship belt after game 82 this season? It’s a funny game ahahah

[@LockedOnCeltics]

Philly

[@PKahn-h1q]

I have to admit last year I was ripping Joe. He had no clue when to call timeouts it was infuriating. What I have witnessed this year is a vastly improved. Coach surrounded himself with top-notch talented coaches gotta love Joe!

[@ramzeezthamightygod]

You just gotta feel so so good as a Celtics fan seeing where we’re at right now and going into the future… mazzulla is only gonna get better with more experience and you’re 100% right about how much he’s improved since last year. The game planning, rotations, timeouts/ ato plays, and clutch decision making have all been flawless this postseason

[@ramzeezthamightygod]

Truly so many things have come together at just the right time and it feels like it’s only the beginning

[@PKahn-h1q]

@@ramzeezthamightygod I’m already looking forward to next year and a repeat point! Big Al deserves another ring

[@justmyopinion8395]

Mazzulla is a weirdo. Any decent coach could have coach them to this title.

[@andrewmarshall360]

😊spporttzs