The Boston Celtics are eager to move past the unnecessary baggage from a turbulent summer, which saw them trade Jaylen Brown to the Philadelphia 76ers.
The guidance of coach Joe Mazzulla will be key for the Celtics, who have fallen short in their quest to reclaim the championship for the past two seasons. They blew a 3-1 lead to the 76ers in the first round of the playoffs in April.
According to NBC Sports Boston's Brian Scalabrine, Mazzulla spent time with two people who might know a thing or two about winning a title in the NBA.
“He (Mazzulla) actually hung out with Michael Jordan and Phil Jackson this summer. Jordan told Joe: ‘The reason why I kept winning was I acted like I never won. If you act as if you've never done anything, then you are hungry to continue to get it,'” said Scalabrine on SiriusXM NBA Radio.
“He (Mazzulla) goes, ‘Jordan was like that.' That was his message to Joe.”
Article Continues BelowScal mentioned that Joe Mazzulla spent time with MJ & Phil Jackson this summer 👀 pic.twitter.com/LrLC4HNTDV
— Jack (@JLev2212) September 22, 2026
It was sage advice from a six-time champion and six-time Finals MVP. Jordan, who built a dynasty with Jackson on the Chicago Bulls, was notorious for his maniacal competitiveness. Nothing was ever enough for him, even if he had already won almost every single accolade in the NBA.
That insatiable drive was what made Jordan great, and Mazzulla might try to imbibe it in the upcoming season.
The eccentric tactician has drawn inspiration from many sources, including jiu-jitsu, wrestling, cinema, and hyenas. But this time, Jordan was as straightforward as basketball could get.
It is not every day that you get to talk to “His Airness,” let alone get a valuable reminder from him. Jordan must have seen something in Mazzulla.