The Boston Celtics, led by Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, have had three head coaches in its seven-year history. Boston has adjusted to the leadership’s way of thinking despite changes in the personnel, philosophies, and expectations.
After trading Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce to the Nets, Brad Stevens inherited a Celtics team that was destined for failure when he became head coach in 2013. That season, Brandon Bass led the team in win shares, and they were eliminated from the postseason for the first time in six years.
However, Stevens returned them to the postseason the following season.
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/71520354/1434578229.0.jpg)
He consistently performed above expectations, transforming what was anticipated to be a rebuild into a consistent postseason presence. When Tatum and Brown started playing together, Brown had already helped the injured Celtics team win seven games over LeBron James’ Cleveland Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference Finals.
As one of the top coaches in the league, Stevens used his superior basketball acumen to help the Celtics advance while also gaining them vital experience.
Then Ime Udoka appeared.
Udoka brought fury where Stevens provided strategy and a composed demeanor. He publicly criticized the team’s stars during the 2021–22 season, which had a terrible start.
He insisted on defense, tenacity, and effort, and he never allowed the Celtics to get away with playing sloppily. They had a successful season and qualified for the Finals for the first time since 2010.
Udoka taught the Celtics how to accept criticism and use it to their advantage by transforming it into a game-changing energy.
And lastly, Joe Mazzulla.
Mazzulla’s first season as head coach was tainted by unpreparedness and turmoil. Just before training camp, he was thrown into the fire and had to learn things quickly.
After a successful offseason and a full year of experience, Mazzulla has gradually revealed his coaching philosophy this season. The way this Celtics team is thinking right now.
