The Boston Celtics have implemented a comprehensive educational approach under head coach Joe Mazzulla following an offseason roster overhaul, with players calling the intensified teaching method “Celtic University” as the team climbs to 19-11 despite playing without Jayson Tatum as he rehabilitates his torn Achilles tendon.
Boston has won 14 of its last 18 games after starting the season 0-3. The Celtics parted ways with multiple rotation players who contributed to their 2024 championship, forcing Mazzulla to accelerate the development of an inexperienced supporting cast.
Mazzulla has overhauled his teaching methods to accommodate younger players who have never seen significant NBA minutes. Payton Pritchard noted that the coach is now taking a more measured approach during film sessions instead of lashing out at players.
“Now it’s more teaching. It’s not just about guys. Obviously there are times when he bothers us, but it’s like we keep learning as we go and get better and better in certain situations,” Pritchard said.
Mazzulla identified the challenge immediately after Boston lost veteran leadership during the offseason.
“Everyone is looking at the talent we’ve lost, but we’ve lost cerebral (players), we’ve lost our mentality, we’ve lost continuity. And how quickly can you replicate that as quickly as possible?” said Mazzulla.
Neemias Queta and Jordan Walsh have taken the starting positions. Teenage rookie Hugo Gonzalez handled challenging defensive assignments last season despite limited experience in Spain. Josh Minott, Baylor Scheierman and Luka Garza have contributed after receiving minimal playing time earlier in their careers.
Jaylen Brown credited the coaching staff’s educational emphasis for the team’s improvement.
“We call it – well, Joe and I call it Celtic University, where it’s like you’re in class and you have to pay attention,” Brown said. “We look at how we can approach each game from a strategy and tactics perspective.”
Boston ranks fourth in the NBA with a net rating of plus 7.0, despite Tatum missing the entire season with a torn Achilles tendon. The Celtics defeated Indiana 140-122 on Friday to continue their recent surge.
Minott said the Celtics place more emphasis on pace and defensive intensity than his previous team in Minnesota.
“Celtics basketball, that’s exactly it. From what I’ve learned, it’s just playing harder than the other team, playing harder, being a mom —. Just trying to wear the other team down mentally, emotionally and physically,” Minott said.
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