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Rethinking Joe Mazzulla as replacement for Ime Udoka

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 Prior to the start of the Celtics 2022-23 season, I went on record as being against Joe Mazzulla taking the helm as coach of the Boston Celtics after Ime Udoka was suspended. My argument was based on an alcohol-related incident where Joe reportedly grabbed a woman by the neck and was charged with domestic battery.


Using my 20 years in law enfoprcement, and after doing further research, I cited the specific, and sinister, nature of such an act (per Wikipedia):

"Strangulation is sometimes fatal. According to a large U.S. case control study, prior strangulation is a substantial and unique predictor of attempted and completed homicide of women by a male intimate partner.

A special issue of the Domestic Violence Report devoted to the crime of strangulation states: "Many domestic violence offenders and rapists do not strangle their partners to kill them; they strangle them to let them know they can kill them—any time they wish. Once victims know this truth, they live under the power and control of their abusers day in and day out."

Admittedly, Mazzulla took over the reins and led the team to the second-best record in the regular season, and also to the seventh game of the Eastern Finals. But many Celtics fans, including myself, disliked Joe's focus on 3-pointers to hopefully win games, particularly in the post-season.

But what I disliked more than that was Mazzulla's too-smug attitude during interviews. After all, he is not Gregg Popovich - not yet. Now comes the rude interview with TVAbby, which I just reviewed.

There is a lack of professionalism by Mazzulla in that interview that is very objectionable. Some may call it another form of abuse, though less severe, of a female. 

 NBA coaches get the hook at the drop of a hat. Right, Doc Rivers? As of this writing, Joe Mazzulla remains at the helm of the Celtics ship. But as I stated last September in my article:

"My hope is that Brad Stevens comes to his senses and makes coaching hires as smartly as he makes his player acquisitions. I rest my case!"

If Joe Mazzulla remains in his present position, some changes are needed. Smugness and rudeness are acceptable to a point by veteran, successful coaches. Joe is not there yet. Did I mention Gregg Popovich - whose smugness was often displayed in a jocular manner.

 

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