Paul Pierce Praises Jaylen Brown, Joe Mazzulla and the Boston Celtics

The former Celtics star and Finals MVP believes the current team has exceeded expectations this season.

Mar. 22, 2026 at 8:05pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Paul Pierce, the former Celtics star and Finals MVP, recently competed in the team's first annual Causeway Classic three-point shooting competition at TD Garden. After winning the event, Pierce showered praise on the current Celtics squad, particularly Jaylen Brown and head coach Joe Mazzulla. Pierce believes Brown is having an MVP-caliber season and that Mazzulla should be the Coach of the Year for leading the team to a 47-23 record despite key offseason departures and Jayson Tatum's injury.

Why it matters

Pierce's comments carry significant weight as a Celtics legend, and his advocacy for the current players and coaching staff highlights how the team has exceeded external expectations this season. His perspective provides valuable insight into the team's success and the recognition he believes the Celtics deserve.

The details

During the post-competition press conference, Pierce praised Jaylen Brown's all-around performance this season, including setting a franchise record for most consecutive 30-point games. He also lauded Joe Mazzulla's coaching, saying the first-year head coach has done an exceptional job developing the team's young players. Pierce admitted that he, like many others, did not expect the Celtics to find this level of success so quickly after key offseason departures and Tatum's injury.

  • On Sunday afternoon, Pierce competed in the Celtics' first annual Causeway Classic three-point shooting competition at TD Garden.
  • Pierce won the inaugural competition, edging out former teammate Brian Scalabrine in the final round.

The players

Paul Pierce

A 10-time NBA All-Star and former Celtics champion, who won the three-point competition at TD Garden on Sunday.

Jaylen Brown

The Celtics star who is averaging career-highs of 28.5 points, 7 rebounds, and 5.2 assists per game this season.

Joe Mazzulla

The Celtics' first-year head coach who has led the team to a 47-23 record this season despite key offseason departures and injuries.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Brown is having an MVP season. Not enough is being said on how he's held down the fort pretty much all year. To still elevate your game in your 10th year is pretty amazing, because most of the time, guys are who they are by the time they are in their 4th or 5th year.”

— Paul Pierce

“This is just a testament of who Coach Mazzulla; he's hands down the Coach of the Year. Coach Mazzulla hasn't gotten enough credit for what he's done to develop some of these young guys.”

— Paul Pierce

What’s next

Pierce said he'll be seeing Tatum for the first time since his return on Sunday evening, when the Celtics face the Minnesota Timberwolves.

The takeaway

As a Celtics legend, Pierce's praise for the current team's success, particularly Jaylen Brown and coach Joe Mazzulla, carries significant weight. His comments highlight how the Celtics have exceeded external expectations this season and deserve more recognition for their accomplishments.