The NBA offseason is a vital period for players and coaches alike to unwind after a grueling season. The Boston Celtics certainly deserve this break, having played deep into June to clinch their 18th franchise title. Despite their championship triumph, head coach Joe Mazzulla remains focused on the future.
According to Celtics star Jayson Tatum, Mazzulla is already scheming and preparing for the upcoming 2024-25 season, as reported by Adam Himmelsbach of The Boston Globe.
“Joe was already trying to draw up plays for next season,” Tatum remarked. “I was like, ‘Joe, we just won the championship, take it easy.’”
Mazzulla’s relentless drive is well-known. From using videos of killer whales and UFC fighters to motivate players, to even stepping onto the court during timeouts to contest shots, the 36-year-old coach is constantly in motion.
Joe Mazzulla went on the court to play a bit of defense 😂pic.twitter.com/a1FpMKD3EJ
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) March 15, 2024
“He’s a maniac,” guard Derrick White jokingly described after Game 4 of the 2024 NBA Finals.
Mazzulla’s dedication has been pivotal for the Celtics throughout the postseason, fostering trust between the coaching staff and the team.
“I think Joe is a basketball genius,” White added. “So whatever he says, I’m all in.”
Jayson Tatum has arrived for Team USA training camp. He even has a new haircut 🇺🇸
“Ready to be part of the team … glad to be here.”
(Via @nba)
pic.twitter.com/PqfK8n9HUP— Daniel Donabedian (@danield1214) July 8, 2024
While Tatum laughed at the early play-making, he won’t be resting much this summer. He has already joined Team USA for training camp in Las Vegas ahead of the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris. Tatum, who recently added an NBA championship to his accolades, has the chance to secure his second gold medal before turning 27. His Celtics teammate Jrue Holiday also joins him, bringing experience from the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
📸 The 2024 USA Basketball Men’s National Team
🇺🇸 #USABMNT pic.twitter.com/JXQbS4bR6k
— USA Basketball (@usabasketball) July 8, 2024
Team USA’s journey kicks off with exhibition games against Team Canada and proceeds to face Serbia, South Sudan, and Puerto Rico in group play. Tatum and his teammates aim to advance to the Olympic Quarterfinals, showcasing their talents on a global stage.
As for the Celtics, they are gearing up for another competitive season. Tatum secured a record-breaking supermax extension worth $314 million, while White agreed to a $125.9 million extension. With Jaylen Brown, Jrue Holiday, and Kristaps Porzingis also locked in, Boston aims to defend their title in the upcoming season.
Mazzulla’s sights are set on Banner No. 19, and Tatum, despite the early offseason banter, shares his coach’s ambitious outlook.
“Excited to be here for the long haul, looking forward to winning a few more,” Tatum affirmed with a grin, holding the Larry O’Brien Championship Trophy high.
Jayson Tatum after signing his record-breaking contract:
“Happy to be here for another five years, for the long haul … looking forward to getting a couple more of these.” ☘️🏆
(Via @celtics)
pic.twitter.com/lplHBeCwqW— Daniel Donabedian (@danield1214) July 6, 2024