View From The Rafters: Behind the Scenes with the Boston Celtics Joe Mazzulla Has a Pet Peeve Text Thread and Compares Formula 1 Racers to NBA Players
Jan 21, 2026
Joe Mazzulla, the head coach of the Boston Celtics, shares insights on basketball IQ and team culture. He compares Formula 1 racers to NBA stars, highlighting the mental aspects of the game. Joe reveals he has a text thread dedicated to pet peeves, assuring laughter. He discusses the Celtics' unique approach to depth and the importance of adaptability among players. Mazzulla also praises Anfernee Simons for his professionalism and talks about the team's innovative practice of players sharing PowerPoint presentations to strengthen connections.
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Smartness As A Team Identity
- The Celtics aimed to be "the smartest team," focusing on basketball IQ, execution, and details under duress.
- Joe Mazzulla credits player buy-in through walkthroughs, film, and constant communication for that growth.
Depth Redefined By Role And Effort
- "Depth" now means effort-role versatility, not just talent count on the roster.
- Bigger staffs and lower player-coach ratios let teams accelerate player readiness.
Young Players Embracing Variable Roles
- Joe praised younger Celtics like Luka Garza and others for quickly accepting unpredictable roles.
- He emphasized that having many capable options validates the locker room and impacts winning.
