The Boston Celtics have a four-game slate of preseason games this year, and with a new head coach and a wealth of capable players pressing for minutes, this could prove a useful stretch for establishing some norms and expectations. When asked about his lineups ahead of the first preseason game against the Charlotte Hornets, interim head coach Joe Mazzulla said he and his staff were still tinkering.
“I don’t think the starters matter so much.” Mazzulla told reporters. “We’re going to look at a lot of different lineups today.”
He made it clear this preseason will be for the team to sort through its rotations and begin to get a feel for things. Both the players and his coaching staff will be critical in that process.
The Celtics coach was relaxed and even playful with this approach. Mazzulla was asked how he’ll deal with the officials. He joked he needed to learn more about how much the fine for a technical foul is before giving a more honest answer about his style with the refs.
‘I’ve got a lot of great people around me that help,’ says Boston Celtics’ Joe Mazzula on transition to interim coach https://t.co/YCSM4qKX3W
— The Celtics Wire (@TheCelticsWire) October 2, 2022
“That’s a great question.” Muzzalla said. “We’ll find out. At the same time, I have to speak up for my players. I want the players to know that I have their back.”
Boston has two games against both the Hornets and Toronto Raptors this preseason. The regular season tips off on Oct. 18 at home against the Philadelphia 76ers.
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