Celtics manager Joe Mazzulla with Dominican Al Horford.
EL NUEVO DIARIO, BOSTON.- Last season, without the pressure of the rookie heir of a great team, Joe Mazzulla emerged as a powerful personality. Capable of leaving an entire press room stunned in just two sentences. As if he were only comfortable imposing his own rules in conversation. A month and a half into the season, the Boston Celtics coach has shown that the title has not softened his curious character. “Everyone says that we will have a target on our back. But I sincerely hope that it is on our forehead, I want to see the red dot,” he said in a statement. Boston Sports Journal.
Simply put, Mazzulla loves being the favorite or the rival to beat. His team was practically that way from the day they added Jrue Holiday to the already extraordinary roster they managed. And they met expectations by defeating the ghosts of the past without even blinking. Sixteen years had passed since the last ring in Boston, but now Mazzulla is not willing to let that much time pass. “I wish we started tomorrow and it was 10 times more challenging than last season,” he concludes.
The truth is that, despite their superiority, the Celtics found themselves in an East that was somewhat deflated by the failed Bucks project and the injuries that plagued Milwaukee, Philadelphia and New York during the regular and postseason. All of them should be stronger and more stable for the 24-25 thanks to the additions they have made and/or the experience they have gained. On the other side, the finalists Mavericks seem to have taken a step forward and the Thunder have consolidated their aspirations. Even so, after keeping their core intact, the Celtics are again the favorites for the title before the season starts. And Mazzulla loves that 29 teams are eager to see them fall.
