Joe Mazzulla reacts to Malcolm Brogdon’s retirement

ByNBAUSA



BOSTON — Boston Celtics skipper Joe Macula didn’t have the luxury of a normal start to his coaching career. After exes Celtics coach Ime Udoka was removed from his position due to his involvement in an inappropriate relationship just days before the start of training camp, Macula was asked to become the interim head coach. Sure, it took him some time to adjust to his new role during the 2022-23 season, but he wasn’t alone in his venture into unfamiliar territory.

Veteran guard Malcolm Brogdon — who had never really played for a big-market team before — was assigned to the Celtics in July 2022. While the Atlanta native was used to the postseason, being in Boston is significantly different from Indiana and Milwaukee.

Brogdon wasn’t fazed by the new digs or the bigger stage, he continued became the Sixth Man of the Year with the Celtics in 2023. Alongside Macula, he learned more and more about what it means to be a Celtic. However, his time in Boston was cut short due to nagging injuries and the front office’s desire to shake things up after falling short of the 2023 Eastern Conference Finals.

The C’s ended up trading Brogdon in October 2023, and his health issues persisted. The former Celtic played just 63 games over two seasons with the Portland Trail Blazers and Washington Wizards, respectively. The 2025-26 season could be a potential turning point for him since he joined the New York Knicks, the expected champions of the wide-open Eastern Conference. however, Brogdon shocked the basketball world with his retirement announcement on Wednesday afternoon.

What did Joe Mazzula say about Malcolm Brogdon’s retirement?

Ahead of the Celtics’ final preseason game against the Toronto Raptors, Macula expressed his respect for his former player.

“Obviously, he was sixth man of the year – it was our first year together,” he recalls. “I appreciate the grace that he showed and the patience that he showed and the openness that he showed for, you know, coming in and then working with a first-time coach. And he did a lot for us, obviously, on the court, but he was really good off the floor with his family.”

Macula often appreciates those who have been a part of the Celtics organization, no matter how big or small their role. In fact, one of the first things he mentioned after winning the 2024 NBA title was how he wanted to thank all the Celtics he worked with and who came before him for their help in capturing banner No. 18.

And while Macula didn’t specifically mention Brogdon, the decorated guard was certainly part of his gratitude.

“I look at him and I look at a guy who has an identity and knows who he is and will be able to transition into whatever he does because of his work ethic, his mentality, but also because he just takes pride in learning and being well-educated,” praised Macula. “So I think whatever he does is going to be good. I’m glad I coached him, he’s done a lot of good things for us.”

This culture of recognition that Macula has created is intended to applaud and elevate every member of the Celtics, from the players to the guards at TD Garden. It speaks to Mazzula’s humility, his humble beginnings and why it takes more than a roster of 15 talented players to win a championship.





2025-10-16 00:18:00

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