The Boston Celtics are fresh off winning the NBA championship this past season, their record 18th in franchise history. Boston has the look of a team that could win back-to-back championships.
Boston has a lot of talent and ran through the NBA on its way to a title. However, Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla isn’t a fan of his team being called the “defending champions.”
He appeared on the Locked on Celtics podcast and explained his thinking.
“The phrase ‘defending a title’ is a very passive-aggressive term,” Mazzulla said on the Locked on Celtics podcast. “If you look at the animal kingdom, some of the strongest animals don’t defend; they’re the most aggressive, and they attack the most. Whether you’ve won or haven’t won, your mindset can’t change. You have to understand what goes into winning and losing, commit to the details on a daily basis, and remain aggressive. You’re not defending something, you’re attacking a new goal.”
DALLAS, TEXAS – JUNE 12: Head coach Joe Mazzulla of the Boston Celtics speaks to the media before Game Three of the 2024 NBA Finals against the Dallas Mavericks at American Airlines Center on June 12, 2024 in Dallas, Texas. Mazzulla said he doesn’t like the Celtics being called the defending champions.
Photo by Tim Heitman/Getty Images
While Mazzulla does have a point, it’s a common occurrence for teams that won the season prior to being named the defending champions. But it seems he may push this narrative for the entire upcoming season.
This team had been hovering around winning a championship for years but could never get over the hump until last year. They even made the NBA Finals during the 2021-22 season but fell short, losing to the Golden State Warriors in six games.
The Celtics will be favored to win it all again this season, especially with their blend of young stars and veteran players. Boston added what was likely the missing pieces last offseason, point guard Jrue Holiday and big man Kristaps Porziņģis.
However, every other team will be coming for them and would love nothing more than to knock them down. The Eastern Conference itself will be stronger so Boston will need to stay focused on the task at hand.
The Philadelphia 76ers added star forward Paul George and a lot of depth to their team. They now have a big three of George, Joel Embiid, and Tyrese Maxey to compete with the Celtics.
The Milwaukee Bucks should have more health luck this season, giving them a legitimate chance. The New York Knicks added star forward Mikal Bridges to what was already the No. 2 seed in the East. And there are others such as the Orlando Magic, Cleveland Cavaliers, and more, looking to take down Boston.
It should be a special season upcoming but it seems that Mazzulla is doing whatever he can to keep his team on track.
More news: ESPN Eyeing Charles Barkley Should He Hit Broadcasting Free Agency
