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Joe Mazzulla named Coach of the Year finalist in what was supposed to be gap season for Boston
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- Joe Mazzulla named Coach of the Year finalist in what was supposed to be gap season for Boston
The 2025-26 NBA season was supposed to be a gap year for the Celtics , but it turned into a second-place finish in the Eastern Conference and another playoff berth under Joe Mazzulla .
It was enough for Mazzulla to be named a finalist for the Coach of the Year award. Detroit Pistons ’ J.B. Bickerstaff and San Antonio Spurs ’ Mitch Johnson
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The Celtics went into the season with a new-look roster after trading Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis and losing Al Horford in free agency. Boston was also down Jayson Tatum until March as he recovered from an Achilles tear.
But the Celtics came together and turned in an impressive season in a year many thought wouldn’t include a playoff run.
Mazzulla has never won the award, but expressed his disdain for awards when he called Coach of the Year “stupid.”
“I don’t need it,” Mazzulla said in March. “I think it’s a stupid award. They shouldn’t have it. And it’s more about the players. It’s more about the work that the staff puts in. It’s just that simple. I really don’t ever want to be asked or talk about it again. It’s just that dumb. So, the players play. It’s about them. Staff works their ass off. I’m grateful to have them.”
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The winner of Coach of the Year will be announced at a later date during the NBA playoffs.
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