Boston's Joe Mazzulla Brushes Off Coach of the Year Buzz

The Celtics coach says the award is 'stupid' and he doesn't need it.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 12:11pm

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A fractured, cubist-style painting depicting a basketball coaching scene, with sharp geometric shapes and planes of vibrant colors like blue, green, and red, conceptually representing the unconventional mindset of Boston Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla.Mazzulla's unconventional approach to individual awards reflects his commitment to team success over personal accolades.Atlanta Today

As the NBA awards voting process ramps up, Boston Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla has emerged as a strong contender for Coach of the Year. However, Mazzulla is downplaying the possibility, calling the award 'stupid' and saying he doesn't need it.

Why it matters

Mazzulla has led the Celtics to a standout season, guiding the team to the top of the Eastern Conference standings. His dismissive attitude towards the Coach of the Year award is seen as both humble and unconventional, sparking discussion around the value of individual accolades in team sports.

The details

The NBA has started the process of lining up voters for postseason awards, with the ballots typically due shortly after the end of the regular season. While some categories like Defensive Player of the Year and Rookie of the Year appear more clear-cut, the Coach of the Year race is wide open. Mazzulla, in his second season as Celtics head coach, has overseen the team's success and emergence as a top contender in the East.

  • The NBA has started the process of lining up voters for postseason awards.
  • Ballots for the awards are typically due shortly after the end of the regular season.

The players

Joe Mazzulla

The head coach of the Boston Celtics, who has led the team to the top of the Eastern Conference standings in his second season.

Victor Wembanyama

The San Antonio Spurs player who is expected to be the frontrunner for the Defensive Player of the Year award.

Kon Knueppel

A rookie player for the Charlotte Hornets who is a contender for the Rookie of the Year award.

Cooper Flagg

A rookie player for the Dallas Mavericks who is also a contender for the Rookie of the Year award.

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What they’re saying

“The NBA awards are stupid. I don't need that.”

— Joe Mazzulla, Head Coach, Boston Celtics

What’s next

The NBA will continue the awards voting process, with ballots due shortly after the regular season ends.

The takeaway

Mazzulla's dismissive attitude towards the Coach of the Year award reflects his focus on team success over individual accolades, a mindset that has helped propel the Celtics to the top of the Eastern Conference standings.