The Boston Celtics are among the best teams in the NBA. They currently hold the second spot in the Eastern Conference and are nearing the playoffs. Jayson Tatum has been outstanding this season. However, Tatum is not the only one making an impact. Jaylen Brown and Kristaps Porzingis have also stepped up when needed. Joe Mazzulla’s unusual decision regarding team captaincy may have influenced this performance. He recently explained the reasoning behind his choice.
“At the end of the day, we all have a role and a responsibility to the culture and to the locker room, and giving it to one person takes away the leadership of everybody…I think the best thing about this team is that everyone’s a captain in the sense that everyone has a role to play, everyone has a job to do, and everyone’s job is to impact winning…But at the end of the day, we all have to carry the responsibility of leadership,” stated Joe Mazzulla as reported by WEEI.
Joe Mazzulla’s opinion on leadership reflects the collective mindset that defines the Boston Celtics this season. Instead of relying on a single captain, he promotes shared responsibility. This approach allows every player to contribute in their own way. It has fostered a strong locker room culture where both veterans and young players understand their roles. They embrace the need to step up when the moment demands it, strengthening the team’s overall chemistry.
Thanks to this mentality, the Celtics have remained consistent and resilient. They have adapted to challenges as a unified group. Mazzulla’s leadership has strengthened team chemistry. It has also translated into strong performances, keeping Boston among the NBA’s top contenders.

Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics speaks with head coach Joe Mazzulla during game one of the Eastern Conference Finals against the Miami Heat at TD Garden on May 17, 2023 in Boston, Massachusetts.
Are the Boston Celtics true contenders for the NBA championship?
The Boston Celtics are undoubtedly one of the top contenders for the NBA championship this season. They have one of the best records in the league and a deep, talented roster. Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown lead the team with their skill and experience. The Celtics have a strong mix of scoring, defense, and leadership. With all these pieces in place, they are well-equipped to compete at the highest level.

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What makes the Celtics even more dangerous is their balanced team approach. Head coach Joe Mazzulla has created a system where every player contributes to winning. However, the Celtics cannot afford to be overconfident. Teams like the Cleveland Cavaliers, Oklahoma City Thunder, and Memphis Grizzlies have also been consistent and strong. While Boston remains a top contender, they still face tough competition.





