The Celtics coach reflects on his first day on the team, saying, “I get to be a part of this.”
There are many reasons for the Celtics’ success, but one of the main ones is that during Joe Mazzulla’s first opportunity to assemble an NBA coaching staff, he developed one of the greatest.
The Boston Celtics, currently leading the NBA standings at 43-12, have secured a winning record for the regular season, a feat unmatched by any other team. Among the myriad factors contributing to their success, the construction of an outstanding coaching staff stands out as a key element in Joe Mazzulla’s inaugural opportunity to shape an NBA coaching team.
While Charles Lee and Sam Cassell are prominent additions to the assistant coaching lineup alongside second-year head coach Joe Mazzulla, Tony Dobbins has proven his value as a consistent presence. Starting with Brad Stevens and retained by Ime Udoka and Mazzulla, Dobbins has become a mainstay.
Ime Udoka, on his return to TD Garden in January since the 2022 NBA Finals, emphasized the importance of keeping Mazzulla and Dobbins on the coaching staff. He mentioned that the decision was influenced not only by the front office but also by player recommendations, particularly from veterans like Marcus Smart, Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum, and Al Horford.
Tony Dobbins, a former player with a 13-year professional career, including three Defensive Player of the Year awards and two French Cups, joined Stevens’ staff as a video coordinator. Reflecting on his first day in Boston, Dobbins recalled the mix of emotions, including excitement, nervousness, and gratitude for being part of the organization. He emphasized the genuine values of family, relationships, and player development within the Celtics organization.
