Every day at The Story Retold, new content seems to jump out at me from fresh and unexpected sources. During a recent press conference, Boston Celtics Head Coach Joe Mazzulla was questioned about the significance of having two black head coaches in this year’s NBA Finals, a milestone not seen since 1975. A devout Catholic, Mazzulla points to Christ, faith when asked to comment on the matter, showing that his Christian identity holds greater importance for him.
Given the plight, sometimes of black head coaches in the NBA, do you think this is a significant moment? Do you take pride in this? How do you view this or do you not see it at all?
Vince Goodwill of Yahoo Sports
The inquiry came from Vince Goodwill of Yahoo Sports, who highlighted the historic nature of the event, given the challenges black head coaches often face in the NBA. Mazzulla, who has been very open about his Christian faith during his short tenure as the Celtics’ head coach, replied to the question:
I wonder how many of those have been Christian coaches?
Boston Celtics Head Coach Joe Mazzulla
The Celtics coach’s faith has been a consistent theme throughout his leadership, often referencing God’s timing and purpose when discussing his team’s journey and successes.
In 2022, Mazzulla was asked if he had the opportunity to meet with members of the British Royal Family during a November 2022 game between the Celtics and the Miami Heat. Mazzulla inquired if the reporter was referring to “Jesus, Mary, and Joseph.”
Both Joe Mazzulla and Dallas Mavericks’ head coach Jason Kidd, have backgrounds in Catholic education, which intertwines their faith with their professional journeys.
As the Celtics compete for the championship against the Mavericks, Mazzulla’s faith continues to be at the core of his coaching philosophy and public image.
In the competitive environment that we are in, we are always used to earning something,” he said when asked about the concept of grace. “When you apply that competitive nature to your faith, it creates a lot of, for me, anxiety, stress and like and separation from Christ. So, when I was able to really go down the road to grace and understanding that I can’t earn it, and I don’t have to be competitive, it’s not a win or loss. It’s an acceptance. That is one of the virtues that we can really show each other in the world today.
Mazzulla, Sports Spectrum Interview April 2024
I cannot put into words how much this fills my spirit with hope and love, for this type of testimony, happening right in front of our eyes in the mainstream media. It renews my belief that God is at all times working for good in our lives and revealing himself through his followers.
Lord, please let them see you, in me.
Amen.
