What is Joe Mazzulla’s nationality? Taking a closer look at the Celtics head coach
The Boston Celtics appointed Joe Mazzulla their head coach at the start of the 2022-23 NBA season after suspending Ime Udoka for breaking the organization's code of conduct. Now, Mazzulla has led the Celtics back to the Conference finals, however, the odds are against them as the Miami Heat has won three games in a row so far in the series, putting the C's on the brink of elimination.
Mazzulla is an American basketball coach who played college basketball a West Virginia University. Unlike some coaches in the league, he didn't have any experience playing at the professional level at any league. Quickly after he graduated from college, he had an offer to be part of Nova Southeastern's coaching staff.
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Joe Mazzulla is officially the 19th Head Coach in franchise history 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾 https://t.co/LMcTLS1u0m
The African-American coach was born in Johnston, Rhode Island. He's the son of Dan Mazulla, who was also a basketball coach. Joe has a younger brother named Justin and played for both George Washington University and University of Vermont.
The 6'2" guard tried his luck at the professional level, but didn't manage to get what he was looking for. He went undrafted in the 2011 NBA Draft and sought opportunities overseas as a basketball player.
The Celtics are hiring Fairmont (WV) State coach Joe Mazzulla as an assistant coach, league sources tell ESPN. Mazzulla made a strong impression with Celtics G League staff before returning to college two years ago. He played for John Beilein at WVU.
Mazzulla joined Glenville State as an assistant coach and kickstarted his coaching career at the collegiate level. Joe became an assistant coach for schools like Fairmont State and Maine Red Claws.
He later made his head coaching debut with Fairmont when he returned in 2017 before making his way as an assistant for the Celtics.
You might also be interested in reading this: Who is Joe Mazzulla's father, Dan Mazzulla? All you need to know about Celtics coach's parentage
Bill Simmons thinks the Celtics will move on from Joe Mazzulla
The Celtics are back to where they are last season as they face the Heat in the Eastern Conference finals the second-straight year. The only difference this time is that Boston is down 0-3 against Miami, which was far from how experts predicted the series will play out.
To most people, superstars like Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown are the ones to get the blame for their inconsistencies. However, due to the lack of adjustments, most are starting to point their fingers at head coach, Joe Mazzulla.
According to famed analyst Bill Simmons, there's a looming possibility that the Celtics, who are looking forward to getting their 18th championship, will replace Mazzulla in the offseason.
"This was checkers versus chess, and I feel bad for him cause I don't think he should've been in the [coaching] position." Simmons said.
“It felt like he lost the team in this series.”
Should the Celtics move on from Joe Mazzulla?
@BillSimmons and @ryenarussillo discuss: https://t.co/2jkVGYsD1h
"I don’t think he will come back. I think they will move on and get a bigger coach."
The Celtics have a monumental task ahead of them after getting blown out by the Heat in Game 3.
Also read: "Joe Mazzulla will pay the price for this 0-3 hole the Celtics find themselves in" - NBA insider opens up on wave of fury against Boston coach