This award should be named Staff of the Year," ujar Mazzulla.

Mazzulla sebelumnya mengakui tantangan besar dalam membangun tim baru setelah kehilangan pilar seperti Jrue Holiday, Kristaps Porzingis, Al Horford, dan Luke Kornet selama bursa musim panas.

"I think that was the number one point of emphasis this offseason," kata Mazzulla.

>>> Gremio vs Montevideo City Torque: Laga Pamungkas Grup F Copa Sul-Americana

Ia menjelaskan perlunya mempercepat proses adaptasi bagi para pemain muda agar mampu memahami filosofi sistem permainan tim.

Bagian dari upaya tersebut melibatkan metode pengajaran yang lebih intensif di ruang film dan selama perjalanan tandang.

Presiden Operasional Bola Basket Celtics, Brad Stevens, memberikan pujian atas kepemimpinan Mazzulla yang dinilai luar biasa.

"This is well-deserved recognition and a testament to both Joe and his staff," kata Stevens.

Stevens juga menyoroti bagaimana sang pelatih mencurahkan segalanya demi memastikan para pemain dapat berkembang dalam kerangka kerja tim.

"With all of our unknowns entering the season, Joe did a fantastic job building and growing a team.

He pours everything he has into competing at a high level while helping players find the best versions of themselves within the framework of a team.

On top of all of that, Joe leads with an authentic care for the Celtics and everyone he works with — players, coaches, and staff," ujar Stevens.

Para pemain Celtics memberikan kesaksian mengenai pendekatan rotasi dinamis yang diterapkan Mazzulla.

"Knowing the opportunity’s coming, I think gives you a little bit more confidence versus a situation where you might lose hope or don’t think you’re going to play," kata Luka Garza.