Boston Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla welcomed the new faces the team acquired during the offseason. 2026 NBA champion Mitchell Robinson was one of the players the Celtics signed in free agency. Having Robinson gives the team a deeper frontcourt and a reliable backup center for Neemias Queta.
Robinson is coming off a strong 2025-26 campaign, helping the New York Knicks win the NBA title. However, the team did not bring him back after eight long years with the franchise. Fortunately for the champion, the Celtics were interested and signed him to a three-year, $47.4 million contract.
On Wednesday, Mazzulla had a hilarious warning to the media about Robinson. When the big man played for the Knicks, the Celtics head coach was among those who used the “Hack-A-Mitch” strategy, since he was not a reliable free-throw shooter.
Apr 28, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla watches from the sideline as they take on the Philadelphia 76ers during game five of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images
“Mitchell Robinson is one of the best bigs,” he said. “Super efficient and his ability to impact the games. I’m upset we’re not going to be able to foul him anymore, but that’s just how it goes. He’s ours and I think he’s gonna be a big impact for us.”
“Mitchell Robinson is one of the best bigs,” he said. “Super efficient and his ability to impact the games. I’m upset we’re not going to be able to foul him anymore, but that’s just how it goes. He’s ours and I think he’s gonna be a big impact for us.”
Robinson averaged 7.5 points and 8.0 rebounds with the Knicks, shooting 50.8% from the charity stripe. He had the best season from the line in 2024-25, when he made 68.4%.
Joe Mazzulla believes Robinson can help Queta and Luka Garza, especially with his experience. Coming off a championship, the head coach believes the rest of the team can learn from the former Chalmette big man.
Jayson Tatum is set to play his first full regular season after suffering a torn Achilles tendon. Tatum made 16 appearances in the previous season, but a quick return was not expected. Ahead of the new season, head coach Joe Mazzulla told reporters what he expects from the star forward.
“The same as he’s always given us. We need him to come in with a high level of effort,” Mazzulla said.
“And playing with a high level of confidence to know that he’s one of the best players in the league and when he’s at his best, our team is at its best. Nothing changes in that. It’s been that way for a long time. It’s gonna stay that way.”
“The same as he’s always given us. We need him to come in with a high level of effort,” Mazzulla said.
“And playing with a high level of confidence to know that he’s one of the best players in the league and when he’s at his best, our team is at its best. Nothing changes in that. It’s been that way for a long time. It’s gonna stay that way.”
Mazzulla and the Celtics will need time to find their footing after a wild offseason. The team traded Jaylen Brown, breaking his partnership with Tatum. Following the massive change, Boston welcomes Paul George to the roster as they try to contend for a title.
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