Joe Mazzulla, former West Virginia guard and current head coach of the Boston Celtics, reflected on receiving his NBA championship ring during the Celtics’ opening night ceremony. The team celebrated last season’s success by unveiling a new championship banner and distributing rings. However, Mazzulla, known for his modest and straightforward approach, admitted he isn’t too fond of the flashy ring.
“When I got the ring, I thought, ‘It’s too big. I’m never going to wear it, but it’s cool to have.’ I was more focused on the banner, which represents so much. That was the highlight for me,” said Mazzulla. He emphasized that the banner holds deeper significance, symbolizing the history and effort behind the Celtics’ legacy.
During the pregame ceremony, Mazzulla kissed the parquet floor at TD Garden as a tribute to the legendary players and coaches who helped shape the Celtics’ storied franchise. He expressed his appreciation for the team’s history and his gratitude for being part of such a revered organization.
Reflecting on the team’s journey last season, Mazzulla shared that while it was a special run, the focus now should be on replicating the process that led to their success, rather than clinging to past achievements.
“It’s not about living in the past or being stuck on the result. We should remind ourselves of how we played with consistency, toughness, and the right mindset over the course of a long season. That’s what we’re trying to build on,” he explained. Mazzulla stressed the importance of focusing on the process of winning rather than dwelling on last year’s outcome.
