“I told the guys in the locker room, one of the honors of my life was to be able to coach this group of guys,” said Joe Mazzulla, after their premature playoffs exit against the Knicks. It was tough seeing the champions head back home in such embarrassing fashion. But considering that they’re still the champions, his job should be secure, right?
The playoffs were a disaster, but Jayson Tatum’s injury changed the whole complexion. As it turns out, even his future at the Celtics is uncertain.
“We’re lucky to have Joe. We’re lucky to have the staff we have here,” said Celtics GM Brad Stevens in the postseason press. But all of this links back to Tatum’s injury. Him not being back till the end of the year (potentially) could see a lot of movement in the roster. They already have a squad that’s worth $500 million in salaries.
On top of that, they need to find Tatum’s replacement for the short-term. That, and maybe more, with people believing that Mazzulla could be out the door.
“Should there be a lot of player movement and roster management, you are now potentially bringing half a new roster in here that is not familiar with the Joe Mazzulla way and that might not be used to doing things the way he does things. They might not buy into exactly what Mazzulla is doing,” said John Zannis on CLNS Media Boston Sports Network.
Nov 12, 2024; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla watches from the sideline as they take on the Atlanta Hawks at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images
Even Bob Manning hopped onto the bandwagon. For him, Joe’s inexperience will be interesting to watch as the season progress.
“Can he handle what’s probably going to be a difficult year at times after three amazing seasons with no issues. I’m just curious what it looks like,” said Bob on the pod.
Alright, let’s speak hypothetically for a second. Let’s say that Joe Mazzulla does end up getting the boot. In that case, who will get the role?
It has to be someone who can take advantage of a championship-calibre squad in the blink of an eye. And one man’s ready to rise to the ocassion- Mazzulla’s assistant coach, Sam Cassell.
Sam Cassell confident of filling Joe Mazzulla’s shoes
Cassell’s been in Beantown for a while now. Not only was he a player in 2008, but he’s been Mazzulla’s right hand man since 2023. He knows the squad inside out. In fact, their championship success coincided with Cassell’s appointment as Mazzulla’s assistant.
That, and more, has the Celtics legend believing in his abilities to be a top-class coach.
“I think I’ll get the opportunity. I’ll be a great head coach. I just need the opportunity. I’m getting better. I’m under Joe Mazzulla who has been great for me. He has been great for me. It’s him and another voice. Similar to Doc Rivers, but he’s younger. He understands the atmosphere of how your team’s supposed to move. He understands,” said Cassell on The Pat Bev Podcast with Rone.
Cassell’s aura oozes championship success. He won three championships as a player, with that solitary Celtics season being his third. The two others include him being the starter point guard in that Rockets team which did the back-to-back in 1994 and 1995. He’s an assistant 17 years in the waiting to get the top job. And with Mazzulla’s job at stake, he could be getting the look-in from Brad Stevens.
Mar 17, 2023; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Philadelphia 76ers assistant coach Sam Cassell looks on from the sideline during the first half against the Charlotte Hornets at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Brian Westerholt-USA TODAY Sports
Stevens was clear on keeping Joe Mazzulla for the future. But if the people on the CLNS Media Boston Sports Network could think of holes in Joe’s coaching, then it would’ve crossed Stevens’ mind too. So if he gets the boot, do you think it’s Sam Cassell’s time to shine?
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