Celtics’ Joe Mazzulla Sends Message to Benched Ex-Starter

Celtics Coach Urges Josh Minott to Keep Improving

For nine games earlier this season, Josh Minott found himself in the starting lineup for the Boston Celtics. His performance during that stretch was impressive; he averaged 8.4 points and 6.7 rebounds and even posted a career-high 21 points against the Wizards on November 5.

However, after that initial run, Minott’s playing time began to dwindle as wing Jordan Walsh took his spot in the starting five. In the Celtics’ last three games, Minott has not seen any action at all, with Walsh and other players like Anfernee Simons and rookie Hugo Gonzalez receiving most of the bench minutes.

During a recent press conference, coach Joe Mazzulla addressed the situation. “It is up to Minott to stay ready when his opportunity arises,” Mazzulla said.

He continued, “Just like everyone else, continue to keep getting better and better. Having an understanding of the details of execution, things that go into the process of winning. That’s not an individual thing.

That’s happened to almost everyone.” Mazzulla referenced Luka Garza’s return from injury as a similar situation.

Mazzulla emphasized the importance of Minott’s continued improvement: “Having an understanding of the details of execution, things that go into the process of winning. That’s not an individual thing.” He also stressed the team’s current success and its impact on his decision-making: “The Celtics have won five of their last six games, so there is not much incentive for Mazzulla to change things up just yet.”

In other news, guard Derrick White made NBA history with seven blocked shots in a recent game. This was the most for a guard in a single game. White’s performance also included 27 points, seven rebounds, and six assists.

White’s Defensive Versatility

Mazzulla highlighted White’s defensive versatility: “I think a couple of them came on-ball, a couple of them came off-ball. This year, his role has grown. Tonight, when we went Derrick, Payton (Pritchard), Anfernee (Simons) and Jaylen (Brown), he has to guard the other team’s best players.

So he got a couple on pick-and-rolls, on pull-up 3s.” Mazzulla also noted White’s ability to shift between defensive responsibilities: “At the beginning of the game, when he’s kind of roaming and guys he can shift off of, he does a good job of knowing when to help and knowing when not to. Just his defensive versatility.”

The Boston Celtics continue to perform well on both ends of the court, with Mazzulla’s message to Minott serving as an important reminder for players at all levels of the team.