Lakers’ JJ Redick, Celtics’ Joe Mazzulla share mutual respect as ‘basketball sickos’ https://t.co/UAnBFeGdu8— LakerTom (@LakerTom) March 8, 2025
Lakers’ JJ Redick, Celtics’ Joe Mazzulla share respect as ‘basketball sickos’
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March 8, 2025 2 Comments
From the above article:
The two discussed their bond in an appearance on Redick’s podcast in October 2023, just over a year after their initial meeting. During that season, which culminated in Redick being promoted to calling the Celtics’ championship victory in the 2024 NBA Finals, Redick complimented Mazzulla for his “thoughtfulness around the game” and “attention to detail.”
“I talk all the time about people that are truly obsessed with this game,” Redick said on his first ESPN broadcast with their lead team. “They are sickos. And Joe Mazzulla is an absolute sicko.”
“Sicko” is the highest form of compliment from Redick, who proudly labels himself a “basketball sicko” any chance he gets. Now, Redick describes Mazzulla as a “good friend.”
“We stayed in touch,” Redick said. “… The last two years, podcast included, and calling games and getting to see him. But particularly last year, we talked quite a bit on text after games and whatnot.”
When Redick prepared for his job interview with the Lakers, he consulted with several coaches, including Mazzulla and Pacers coach Rick Carlisle, as well as former Duke head coach Mike Krzyzewski, who was advising Lakers brass during the process.
Mazzulla and Redick are kindred spirits with how they see the game, both from a broader tactical approach and their obsession with the minutiae.
“When I was going through this process, he, along with a few other coaches in the NBA, were really helpful,” Redick said. “Not just in preparing for an interview, but just really helping me understand what this was and what it required.”
From his many podcast and media appearances to his opening news conference with the Lakers, it’s been clear how much “Mazzullaball” — Mazzulla’s 3-point-heavy offensive approach — has resonated with the Lakers’ coach. Redick’s modern, analytics-based approach to offense and defense was a breath of fresh air for the Lakers.
Mazzulla famously doesn’t fraternize during the season with opponents — including former coaches and players. He believes it dulls his edge. But he made an exception with Redick after finding out that Redick’s Pacific Palisades home burned down in the Los Angeles wildfires on Jan. 7.
“I have the utmost respect for him,” Mazzulla said. “He was sitting across from this table and then decided to enter the arena. I wish more people would do that. So the fact that he did that and wanted to be in the arena just shows how competitive he is.”
Our “D” is better and even LBJ with those Blocks is showing he’s giving when absolutely needed. As well as we can we have to do more fundamental passing. We need Luka and Reaves and LBJ to be more TO conscience.