NBA Coach of the Year Favored by Odds Makers for Joe Mazzulla of the Boston Celtics
Unexpected Success of the Boston Celtics and the Rise of Willie Green in the NBA
In the dynamic world of professional basketball, the 2022-23 season has been marked by a series of unexpected developments, none more so than the remarkable rise of the Boston Celtics under new head coach Joe Mazzulla.
Mazzulla's tenure with the Celtics has been characterized by innovative coaching strategies and effective player roles, which have optimized the team's talent and propelled them to the top of the NBA standings.
One of the key factors in the Celtics' success has been Mazzulla's ability to adapt schemes and employ versatile lineups. For instance, there are suggestions that Mazzulla might experiment with players like Ben Simmons, running him in the frontcourt to disrupt defensive schemes and improve ball movement, indicating a pattern of tactical flexibility.
In addition, Mazzulla's focus on player development and health management has been instrumental in maintaining the team's performance throughout the season. Key contributors, such as veterans who played vital playoff roles, have stepped up under Mazzulla's guidance.
Defense has also been a focal point for the Celtics, with Mazzulla likely emphasizing this aspect to enhance their competitiveness. A strong defensive performance has been a key factor for playoff success and unexpected team overperformance.
Meanwhile, in the Western Conference, Willie Green, the head coach of the New Orleans Pelicans, has steered the team back on track. Despite Zion Williamson missing the entire season with a foot injury, the Pelicans have secured the #8 seed and are currently at the top of the conference.
Green's coaching prowess has not gone unnoticed, with his odds for the NBA Coach of the Year award increasing from +350 last week to +300 this week. The Pelicans' recent form is a testament to Green's ability to manage a team through adversity and find success.
Last week, the Pelicans took over the #1 seed for a short period after back-to-back wins against the Phoenix Suns. With a healthy Williamson leading the team in scoring, the Pelicans are one of the top teams in the Western Conference.
The Celtics, under Mazzulla, have the best record in the NBA so far, averaging a league-best 118.2 points per game this season. Without their starting center and top defender, Robert Williams III, the Celtics have continued to perform at a high level, demonstrating the depth and resilience of the team.
Ime Udoka, the former head coach of the Boston Celtics, was suspended, and if he didn't take the Utah Jazz job, Willie Green's assistant, Will Hardy, would have been promoted as the Celtics' head coach.
The Utah Jazz, despite trading their two best players and having a young head coach, have a 17-13 record and occupy the #7 seed in the Western Conference.
The New Orleans Pelicans started last season with a 1-12 record but have since turned their fortunes around under Green's guidance.
As the season progresses, both Mazzulla and Green continue to prove their mettle as coaches, demonstrating adaptability, strategy, and a focus on player development and team success. The 2022-23 season is shaping up to be an exciting one, with both the Boston Celtics and the New Orleans Pelicans challenging for top spots in their respective conferences.
[1] Source: https://www.bostonsportsjournal.com/celtics/boston-celtics-ben-simmons-joe-mazzulla-lineup-experiment/
[2] Source: https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/jayson-tatum-credits-joe-mazzulla-for-celtics-success-in-his-first-year-as-head-coach/
Last Updated: June 23, 2025
Willie Green, the assistant coach for the Boston Celtics who would have been promoted as head coach had Ime Udoka not taken the Utah Jazz job, has mirrored Green's success in the Western Conference with the New Orleans Pelicans.
Taylor Jenkins, the former Milwaukee Bucks head coach who was sacked last season due to a disappointing performance, could potentially find himself contending for an NBA coaching position with his impressive track record in sports.
Will Hardy, now the head coach of the Utah Jazz, has shown resilience in leading a team that traded its two best players and has a young coach, yet they still managed a 17-13 record and the #7 seed in the Western Conference.
The Boston Celtics, with the best record in the NBA, are averaging a league-best 118.2 points per game this season, demonstrating their offensive prowess under the guidance of Joe Mazzulla.
With Zion Williamson missing the entire season, Green's management of the New Orleans Pelicans has been impressive, securing the #8 seed in the Western Conference and leading them towards a potential playoff appearance for the sports enthusiasts to look forward to.
