Joe Mazzulla's relationships with his players outside of basketball are enabling him to bring the best out of them on the hardwood.
The Boston Celtics had continuity on their side last season. Fifteen of the seventeen players from their 2024 title team, including those on two-way deals, returned for the chance to repeat. This summer wasn't as kind to them.
After consecutive campaigns over the second apron, the bill came due. The punitive nature of an unforgiving and restrictive collective bargaining agreement forced the Celtics to restructure.