Joe Mazzulla admits living in fear reacting to shocking firing of Nuggets coach Michael Malone

Boston Celtics HC Joe Mazzulla did not mince his words recently after the Nuggets HC Michael Malone was sacked on Tuesday.

Joe Mazzulla admits living in fear reacting to shocking firing of Nuggets coach Michael Malone

Michael Malone and Joe Mazzulla

This 2024-25 NBA season has had it all: from shocking trades to shocking dismissals of NBA coaches. First, it was Taylor Jenkins who got fired by the Memphis Grizzlies with just nine games remaining in the regular season. Now, the Denver Nuggets shocked the NBA community as they fired their 2023 NBA title-winning coach Michael Malone.

This left the NBA community stunned, bringing out various reactions from the NBA coaches. Particularly, the Boston Celtics HC Joe Mazzulla made his thoughts vividly known lately. Before the Celtics-NewYork Knicks game, Mazzula knew what questions were coming along his way, and was well prepared for them. However, his response garnered immense attention from the Celtics fans.

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It’s part of what motivates me, but I wake up every day saying, ‘This could be my last day.’ You have to have that type of perspective because it gives you gratitude, and it also keeps you hungry. And so, it’s just, you have to have a healthy balance of, you want this for as long as you can, and at the same time, you’re very much replaceable, because that’s just how it works.

Joe Mazzulla said

However, sacking Mazzulla is something the Celtics would not consider anytime soon. Especially with the way, the young HC has been going with the franchise lately, Last year Mazzulla delivered the Celtics their 18th historic NBA title. Now, this year they are in contention to win their 19th NBA title. The Celtics are 2nd in the East, trailing the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Given that, the life of an NBA HC is uncertain as Joe Mazzulla claims. One has to be at his best day in and day out to keep their job safe. For now, Mazzulla is doing just that. On the other hand, Knicks HC Tom Thibodeau also shared his views on Malone’s sacking during the pre-match press conference.

Knicks HC Tom Thibodeau chimed in on Michael Malone’s sacking

Just like the Celtics HC Joe Mazzulla, Thibodeau was shocked to hear the news coming out of Denver regarding the Nuggets HC Michael Malone. Per reports, Thibodeau shared a good bond with Malone and was shocked to hear the news of his sacking. He opened up on this during the Celtics-Knicks pre-match conference.

Just disappointment — it’s the unfortunate part of the business. I’ve known Michael for decades. Unbelievable family, great coach.

Tom Thibodeau told the reporters

In addition to Malone, the Nuggets fired their GM, Calvin Booth as well in a complete clear-out. Given that, Thibodeau praised the efforts of Booth, a “terrific guy” who worked in the front office of the Minnesota Timberwolves during the former coach’s final stint. Denver’s ascent to prominence, which resulted in the team’s first NBA title in 2023, was facilitated by Booth and Malone.

Warriors HC Steve Kerr makes his views clear on Michael Malone’s departure

Michael Malone, has the most victories in the team’s history—471 regular season and 510 postseason wins—and was the lone player to lead them to their first-ever NBA championship in 2023. However, it seems that all it takes to go from “franchise legend” to “unemployed” these days is four consecutive losses. Notably, Golden State Warriors HC Steve Kerr also chimed in on this matter,

Shocked, like everyone!… Mike’s been a great, great coach… Doesn’t seem right, but this is the business we’re in. We’re all gonna suffer a similar fate at some point.

Steve Kerr said

Kerr is committed to the Warriors through 2026 after agreeing to a lucrative two-year deal in 2024. But as per Kerr’s assessment, he knows that his job can be taken away from him at any given point, that’s just how the sport works lately. Nevertheless, it remains to be seen what more drama unfolds during this 2024-25 NBA season.