Jun 21, 2024; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla rides on a duck boat during the Boston Celtics Championship parade. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports

'There’s a Reason Why They Locked Him Up This Summer' – Boston Celtics Insider Drops Huge Joe Mazzulla Challenge in 2025-26

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics | By Jordan Samar | Last updated Sep 4, 2025 8:12 AM ET

For the first time in a while, the Boston Celtics will not enter the new season as one of the favorites to win the NBA title, following their cost-cutting measures this summer.

With Jayson Tatum out indefinitely due to a torn Achilles, the Boston Celtics aren’t as stacked as they used to be, providing a litmus test of Joe Mazzulla’s coaching chops.

“There’s a reason the Celtics locked him up this summer. The team believes he’s the right guy to lead this team into this next chapter. This season will simply be a different sort of challenge, and we’re eager to see how Mazzulla navigates those new obstacles,” NBC Sports’ Chris Forsberg wrote.

Sep 24, 2024; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla talks to reporters during media day at Auerbach Center. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images

“The bullseye might be gone, but we suspect Mazzulla will bring the same fire and zest on a daily basis. His challenge will be getting the most out of a set of younger players that must fill the shoes of the decorated veterans that departed. His ability to do that could shorten the wait for Boston’s next title contender,” he added.

Boston Celtics News: Neemias Queta is poised for a bigger role, claims former big

Kristaps Porzingis believes Neemias Queta is due for a bigger role with the Boston Celtics this season, especially after a strong showing in the ongoing FIBA EuroBasket.

Oct 9, 2023; New York, New York, USA; Boston Celtics center Neemias Queta (88) dunks the ball during the first half against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports / Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

“But what I will say is (Queta) has been getting better each year. And Coach Mazzulla has been pretty tough on him,” Porzingis said about Queta via Bobby Manning of Celtics On CLNS. “And I believe he’s getting to a point where he deserves some real minutes, some real rotation minutes.”

“He’s been putting in the work. And you can see how he’s playing now in the tournament. And I’m happy for Neemy,” he added. “He’s a great, great dude. Really, like, really cool person. And puts in the time, puts in the work. And I’ll be happy to see him getting a lot more minutes this year.”