NBA All-Star 2023: Celtics’ Joe Mazura leads Team Giannis to make history as first-year head coach

Boston Celtics head coach Joe Mazura will take on Team Giannis for the 2023 NBA All-Star Game in Salt Lake City, the league announced Monday night. Mazura is the first interim head coach since Ty Lue in 2016 to attend an All-Star Game, and his third first-year coach to earn the honor in the last 24 years.

While the Celtics were resting on Monday, the loss of the Philadelphia 76ers to the Orlando Magic guaranteed the Celtics the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference at the Feb. 5 cutoff point. All-Star Game coaches are determined by which team has the best record in each conference by that deadline.

At 34, Mazura is the youngest coach in the league, having worked with Fairmount State University at the Division II level just four years ago. He joined Brad Stevens’ staff in 2019 and has been with the organization ever since. Training this season Just before his camp, Mazura was promoted to interim head coach. Imeudoka suspended for the entire season Regarding the alleged ‘violation of team policy’ stemming from inappropriate relationships with team staff.

Mazura had the respect and approval of the roster from day one. In particular, Jayson Tatum said on Media Day that Mazura “has been a huge help to myself, others and the team as a whole over the last few years.” It’s been many years since he’s been here. He is motivated and I believe that if he is motivated, he will succeed. ”

With the entire organization behind him, Mazura helped the Celtics to a flying start of 21-5 and an early lead with the best record in the league. In recent months, he hasn’t had a 16-10 record from his historic start, but he’s a betting favorite with a league-best Denver lead over the Nuggets by 1.5 games. win the title.

This season’s All-Star Game will take place on February 19, pitting Team LeBron against Team Giannis. The starter was announced last week, but the reserve is due to be announced on February 2nd. The roster will be determined just before tip-off as the league moves the captain’s draft to game night to spark even more interest.