Joe Mazzulla gets real about how he knows the Celtics will naturally face struggles

Joe Mazzulla, the Boston Celtics head coach, has been forthright about the challenges the team will face in the upcoming 2026-27 season. Despite the team's success and championship win in 2024, Mazzulla acknowledges that the Celtics will encounter obstacles due to the lack of star power following the trade of Jaylen Brown. The team now lacks the same level of star power as before, with Jayson Tatum's co-star being an older Paul George who has not played at an elite level for a couple of seasons.

In training camp, the environment within the team has been positive, with everyone striving to be competitive. However, Mazzulla is a realist and knows that this positive environment may not last as long as people would like once the NBA season starts. He believes that every team feels great about themselves initially but will have to face adversity once it hits.

While the Celtics are currently enjoying a high vibe in the locker room, Mazzulla understands that they will have to work through challenges together as the season progresses.