The Boston Celtics have implemented a comprehensive educational approach under head coach Joe Mazzulla following an offseason roster overhaul, with players calling the intensified teaching method “Celtic University” as the team climbs to 19-11 despite playing without Jayson Tatum as he rehabilitates his torn Achilles.
Boston has won 14 of its last 18 games after starting the season 0-3. The Celtics parted ways with multiple rotation players who contributed to their 2024 championship, forcing Mazzulla to accelerate development for an inexperienced supporting cast.
Mazzulla overhauled his teaching methods to accommodate younger players who have never logged significant NBA minutes. Payton Pritchard noted the coach now takes a more measured approach during film sessions rather than lashing out at players.
“Now, it’s more teaching. It’s not just getting on guys. Obviously, there’s times he’ll get onto us, but it’s just like we keep learning as we go and keep getting better and better in certain situations,” Pritchard said.
Mazzulla identified the challenge immediately after Boston lost veteran leadership during the offseason.
“Everyone looks at the talent that we lost, but we lost cerebral (players), we lost mindset, we lost continuity. And, so, how quickly can you replicate that as fast as possible?” Mazzulla said.
Neemias Queta and Jordan Walsh have assumed starting positions. Teenage rookie Hugo Gonzalez has handled challenging defensive assignments despite limited experience in Spain last season. Josh Minott, Baylor Scheierman and Luka Garza have contributed after receiving minimal playing time earlier in their careers.
Jaylen Brown credited the coaching staff’s educational emphasis for the team’s improvement.
“We call it – well, me and Joe call it Celtic University, where it’s like you’re in class and you’ve got to pay attention,” Brown said. “We look at how to approach each and every game from a strategy, tactics standpoint.”
Boston ranks fourth in the NBA with a plus-7.0 net rating despite Tatum missing the entire season with a torn Achilles. The Celtics defeated Indiana 140-122 on Friday to continue their recent surge.
Minott said the Celtics stress pace and defensive intensity more than his previous team in Minnesota.
“Celtics basketball, that’s just it. From what I’ve learned, it’s just playing tougher than the other team, playing harder, being mother—. Just trying to wear the other team down mentally, emotionally, physically,” Minott said.