Former West Virginia guard Joe Mazzulla has been hired as an assistant coach by the Boston Celtics, according to a report from Heavy.com. Mazzulla, who played for the Mountaineers from 2007-2011, has spent the past few years as an assistant coach at Fairmont State University. He also had a brief stint playing professionally overseas.
Mazzulla’s hiring by the Celtics comes as no surprise, as he has been highly regarded in coaching circles for his basketball IQ and work ethic. He is known for his ability to develop players and has a strong understanding of the game. Mazzulla will join a Celtics coaching staff that already includes head coach Brad Stevens and assistant coaches Jay Larranaga and Jerome Allen.
During his time at West Virginia, Mazzulla was a key contributor for the Mountaineers, helping lead them to the Final Four in 2010. He was known for his tough, gritty play and was often praised for his leadership on and off the court. After his playing career ended, Mazzulla quickly transitioned into coaching and has been working his way up the ranks ever since.
Mazzulla’s hiring by the Celtics is seen as a smart move by the organization, as they continue to build a strong coaching staff to support their young and talented roster. With Mazzulla’s knowledge and experience, he will be a valuable asset in helping develop the team’s players and contribute to their success on the court.
Overall, this is an exciting opportunity for Mazzulla and a testament to his hard work and dedication to the game of basketball. He has proven himself as a player and is now ready to make his mark as a coach in the NBA. Celtics fans can look forward to seeing the impact that Mazzulla will have on the team in the upcoming season.
Boston Celtics Eyeing Andre Drummond as Frontcourt Depth
The Boston Celtics are on the lookout for frontcourt depth and they have the means to make it happen. With a trade exception worth $6.2 million, they have multiple options to consider. One of those options is adding Chicago Bulls center Andre Drummond to their roster.
According to CelticsBlog’s Jack Simone, Drummond is a “realistic” choice for the Celtics. Simone suggests that adding some extra big-man depth could be beneficial, especially considering the performance of Luke Kornet this season. While Kornet may still have a role in the rotation depending on the matchup, acquiring Drummond by offering a couple of second-round picks to the Bulls could be a worthwhile move.
Although Drummond’s days as an NBA All-Star are behind him, he still possesses valuable skills as a backup center. Despite limited playing time, Drummond remains an effective rebounder, averaging 8.3 rebounds in just 15.8 minutes per game.
The Bulls are currently sitting at a 23-27 record, making them the 9th seed in the Eastern Conference. With their season not going as planned, changes could be on the horizon. NBA Insider Marc Stein reports that Drummond has generated significant interest from playoff-bound teams in need of an experienced center. The Bulls might be inclined to trade Drummond for draft capital, similar to the appeal of Utah’s Kelly Olynyk, who is highly coveted for his rebounding ability and floor-spacing skills.
While Stein doesn’t specifically mention the Celtics as potential suitors for Drummond, the upcoming NBA Trade Deadline could intensify his trade market.
If the Celtics manage to acquire Drummond, he would compete for the third big man spot in their rotation, backing up Kristaps Porzingis and Al Horford.
According to Bulls insider Joe Cowley of the Chicago Sun-Times, the Bulls may consider trading Drummond if the right deal presents itself, particularly if they are unable to trade Zach LaVine. Cowley gives a 60% chance of Drummond being traded, as contending teams would benefit from his presence as a backup big man against dominant players like Joel Embiid or Nikola Jokic in a playoff series. Despite his value, the return in a trade may not be substantial, possibly only involving a struggling young big and a second-round pick at best.
While the Celtics possess most of their first-round picks, trading one of them for Drummond might be a steep price to pay. However, Drummond’s contract is set to expire in 2024, which could make him a valuable addition to the team.
a sports contributor at Heavy.com. He is also a sports reporter for the Boston Globe. Matt has been covering the NBA for over 10 years and has a deep knowledge of the game. He is known for his insightful analysis and in-depth interviews with players and coaches. Matt’s articles can be found on Heavy.com, as well as in the Boston Globe. He is a trusted source for all things NBA and is dedicated to providing accurate and up-to-date information to his readers. Stay connected with Matt on Twitter for the latest news and updates from the world of basketball.
