Joe Mazzulla suddenly became Celtics head coach in 2022, and ever since then, all he's done is help his team win.

In an interview with Locked On Celtics Mazzulla explained why the Celtics won’t be “defending” their title at all this season. He called the phrase “defending a title” a “passive-aggressive” term and evoked the animal kingdom in his explanation.

Boston Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla was on the short list of Coach of the Year candidates last year, much ado to the Celtics 64-win season. As the NBA ramps up for a new season, Mazzulla is in prime position to win the award.

Boston heads into this season the target of every other team, no matter where you put it.

Following the addition of Lonnie Walker, Mazzulla praised the new Celtic but also sent a message on what it takes to thrive in Boston.

With that being said, the Celtics appear ready. In an interview with John Karalis of the "Locked on Celtics" podcast and the Boston Sports Journal, Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla has a message for those who want what Boston possesses:

How can Boston Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla improve in 2024-25? The Celtics coach took the reins of the team unexpectedly just ahead of training camp for the team's 2023-24 campaign after misconduct by then-head coach Ime Udoka forced a suspension and eventual separation from the team, and did not have the easiest start.

When the Boston Celtics brought a merciful ending to Lonnie Walker IV’s waiting game, the move was met with positive reactions. Though Walker wasn’t necessarily viewed as a game-changing addition, he could be a worthwhile contributor.

The Boston Celtics are heading into next season as defending champions. The last time an NBA team won back-to-back titles was the Golden State Warriors in 2017