To say expectations are high for the Boston Celtics this season is a severe understatement.
There is no doubt that everyone predicts big things from the reigning NBA champions and if they don’t have a stellar year, people will talk.
But Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla isn’t intimidated by that.
In fact, speaking with Daniel Donabedian and the press, he expressed his opinion on any expectations and pressure.
“Zero. No pressure. We’re all gonna be dead soon…You’re either gonna win or you’re not…It’s not pressure, it’s an opportunity,” Mazzulla said.
Joe Mazzulla stated that pressure is a privilege when asked about handling the Celtics’ high expectations:
“Zero. No pressure. We’re all gonna be dead soon … You’re either gonna win or you’re not … It’s not pressure, it’s an opportunity.” pic.twitter.com/UYnWl02Wsq
— Daniel Donabedian (@danield1214) October 21, 2024
That is an intense response but a very typical one from Mazzulla.
He has a tendency to speak from the heart in some unique and sometimes surprising ways.
The bottom line is that he’s not frightened by the pressure pressing down on his team.
He believes in himself and his players.
More importantly, Mazzulla knows that there isn’t an upside to focusing so much on the pressure.
That has been a big trap that other champions have fallen into and before they knew it, they were caught up in the headlines and storylines revolving around them instead of just playing well.
Mazzulla and multiple Celtics players have said they aren’t thinking about last season anymore.
They are proud of what they accomplished but view 2024-25 as a brand new chapter that is free of anything that’s come before.
That fresh approach could be key to them winning back-to-back titles.
The Celtics kick off the NBA season on Tuesday night and fans will see if they are avoiding the pressure that comes with being champions.
NEXT:
Al Horford Sends A Clear Message About Celtics Ahead Of Season
