Joe Mazzulla Sets Bold Goal That Could Define Celtics' Season originally appeared on NESN. Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Joe Mazzulla's vision for the Boston Celtics this season is clear.
Ahead of Tuesday's season opener against the Detroit Pistons, the Celtics shared the first episode of their "Celtics: Way of Life" series documenting the 2026-27 NBA season.
The video included a message Mazzulla shared to the team while they were in Charleston, South Carolina.
"I do know the pace that we're on from a connectivity standpoint is a separating factor, and that's what we're trying to get to — the most connected team under the highest amount of duress, not just when it's going well," Mazzulla said.
Mazzulla's push for the Celtics to become the NBA's most connected team started long before training camp. Not only did Mazzulla visit several players at their homes, but players spent time with each other throughout the offseason.
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The emphasis on connectivity is particularly notable for a Celtics team entering a new era after losing its longest-tenured player.
Boston, of course, traded Jaylen Brown to the Philadelphia 76ers for Paul George and multiple draft picks in the offseason. Additionally, the Celtics picked up Mike Conley and Mitchell Robinson in free agency.
The three veterans bring significant experience to a team that will need to build chemistry quickly.
George is a nine-time All-Star looking to win his first NBA championship. Conley is entering his 20th NBA season and has built a reputation as one of the league's best teammates. Robinson is a nine-year rebounding machine coming off a championship with the New York Knicks.
For a team with several new pieces, Mazzulla believes connectivity could be what separates the Celtics from the rest of the league.