Joe Mazzulla knows how to give respects to his players while making jokes about what he can't do against certain players ahead of the Boston Celtics‘ 2026-27 season. Case in points, Jaylen Brown and Mitchell Robinson.

Mazzulla is preparing for the fifth season of his head coaching career with the Celtics. He led them to the championship in 2024, making the playoffs every year as he looks to bounce back from a first-round exit last season.

Mazzulla interacted with reporters during the team's Media Day on Monday, per reporter Daniel Donabedian. He started his presser by honoring Brown for his accomplishments with the franchise. Boston traded Brown to the Philadelphia 76ers for Paul George and draft compensation, ending a successful partnership of 10 years.

“Been an eventful offseason in many ways, and obviously wanted to start off by just paying respects to Jaylen and (what he’s done) for this organization and community for the last 10 years,” Mazzulla said.

Joe Mazzulla began his media availability by thanking Jaylen Brown:

“Been an eventful offseason in many ways, and obviously wanted to start off by just paying respects to Jaylen and (what he’s done) for this organization and community for the last 10 years.” pic.twitter.com/6ZGsk8bX2P

— Daniel Donabedian (@danield1214) September 28, 2026

Mazzulla then transitioned to the players Boston landed, talking about Robinson. Knowing about the center's weakness at the free-throw line, he joked about not having to foul him anymore following his departure from the New York Knicks.

“I’m upset that we won’t be able to foul him anymore,” he quipped.

Joe Mazzulla called Mitchell Robinson one of the best bigs in the NBA before cracking a joke:

“I’m upset that we won’t be able to foul him anymore.” pic.twitter.com/i81XgtnAlu

— Daniel Donabedian (@danield1214) September 28, 2026

Article Continues Below

What lies ahead for Joe Mazzulla, Celtics this season

Joe Mazzulla has doubters to prove wrong as the Celtics fully embrace a new era with Jayson Tatum as the top superstar.

Boston has plenty of questions to answer this season, landing the players they wanted in the draft and in free agency. They now turn to the fall to gear up for training camp.

Notable additions they made this offseason include Paul George, Mitchell Robinson and Mike Conley. Their biggest pickup from the draft was Chris Cenac Jr., who presents high upside on the wing coming out of college.

Boston will get its campaign underway with four preseason contests, starting with the Cleveland Cavaliers on Oct. 8 then ending with the 76ers on Oct. 16. Their regular season will begin on the road when they face the Detroit Pistons on Oct. 20 at 3 p.m. ET.