Rhode Island native Joe Mazzulla, head coach of the Boston Celtics, returned to his home state Tuesday to celebrate the team’s 18th NBA Championship at the Rhode Island State House.
Joe Mazzulla said he prioritized connecting the Celtics identity to the community:
“One of my goals is when people watch the Celtics, they see the city of Boston, they see New England, they see that toughness, that mindset. That’s the basketball that I saw growing up.” pic.twitter.com/wUOlsGrp4s
— Noa Dalzell 🏀 (@NoaDalzell) September 3, 2024
Governor Dan McKee welcomed Mazzulla and Celtics co-owner Steve Pagliuca to Providence for a special event honoring the team’s recent victory. Hundreds of elected leaders, local basketball icons, and fans gathered to commemorate the achievement.
The celebration featured a photo opportunity with the coveted Larry O’Brien trophy, symbolizing the Celtics’ triumph in the NBA Finals.
Mazzulla, who grew up in Johnston and played basketball at Bishop Hendricken High School in Warwick, has become the seventh coach in the franchise’s storied history to secure an NBA title.
“Coach Mazzulla and the Boston Celtics truly embody the values of Rhode Island: perseverance, hard work, being a team player, and never giving up,” McKee said during the event. “Our State could not be more proud of the job he and the team have done.”
The governor extended his congratulations to Mazzulla, Pagliuca, and the entire Celtics organization, wishing them success in the upcoming season.
For Mazzulla, the homecoming held special significance. “I left Rhode Island as a young 17-year-old. One of the greatest gifts God has given me is being able to come back to where I’m from,” he said.The coach expressed gratitude to McKee and the people of Rhode Island for their warm reception. “On behalf of the Celtics, thank you to Governor McKee and my home state of Rhode Island for welcoming us today. It’s been great getting to share and celebrate this championship with the best fans in the NBA.”
Mazzulla’s journey from a Rhode Island high school basketball star to NBA championship-winning coach serves as an inspiration to aspiring athletes and coaches across the state.
His success story resonates deeply with the local community, highlighting the potential for homegrown talent to reach the pinnacle of professional sports.
