The Boston Celtics were oddly absent from the NBA’s list of finalists for individual awards, which was announced on Tuesday.
It makes sense—that is, if you disregard the fact that they finished with the fifth-best offence in league history, lost *checks notes* four home games, and secured the top seed in the league weeks before the regular season ended.
Joe Mazzulla is among those who were overlooked, even though he ought to be a candidate for Coach of the Year. However, he doesn’t view it that way; rather, he sees it as a plus for the Celtics.
“One of the biggest trends of this team is that they haven’t had the agenda,” Mazzulla remarked on Tuesday, as reported by Justin Turpin of WEEI. “I think the great thing about this team is that from Day 1 we’ve appreciated the individual awards that we’ve gotten — Player of the Month, (Coach) of the Month and whatnot.” “I don’t think it’s important at all because we’re all focused on what we need to do as a team, and none of the guys have brought it up.”
It’s expected that the Celtics will be included on the NBA’s post-season all-star team. One more vote for Jayson Tatum to be named All-NBA. Derrick White will be selected for the All-Defense team, while Jrue Holiday will probably be included in some capacity. It’s highly possible that Jaylen Brown will get both.
The idea that the NBA’s clear top team is devoid of any MVPs is plain strange. Instead, the C’s will simply have to make do with Banner 18.
