Joe Mazzulla proposes WILD ‘fighting and power play’ rule change for NBA

Boston Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla suggests radical NBA rule changes, including a 'power play' and reinstating fighting.

Joe Mazzulla proposes WILD ‘fighting and power play’ rule change for NBA

Boston Celtics’ Joe Mazzulla

Boston Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla is back again with another hot take. This time he shared his unconventional ideas for NBA rule changes on 98.5 The Sports Hub’s Zolak & Bertrand. When asked about eliminating the corner 3-pointer, he instead suggested introducing a “power play” and reinstating fighting.

This concept introduced by Coach Joe Mazzulla is inspired by hockey, which would give teams a man advantage on the court for a short time after a foul. He envisioned that a player would serve a brief penalty on the opposite side of the court.

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Joe Mazzulla on 98.5 The Sports Hub’s Zolak & Bertrand:

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Basketball is one of the only sports that doesn’t allow power plays… we should have a power play. There should be a power play where on a take foul, on a technical, you have to play five-on-four for five seconds or three passes.

Joe Mazzulla said

He went on to add, bringing up a reference from baseball.

The biggest thing we’ve robbed people of from an entertainment standpoint is you can’t fight anymore. What’s more entertaining than a little scuffle? How come in baseball they’re allowed to clear the benches. How come in hockey they’re allowed to… I don’t understand.

Joe Mazzulla added

However, Mazzulla’s proposal to bring back fighting in the NBA is unlikely to gain traction. The league has prioritized safety and discipline since the infamous “Malice at the Palace” brawl between the Indiana Pacers and Detroit Pistons.

As a coach known for thinking outside the box, it’s not the first time his comments have stirred up a frenzy. Luckily for him, his views haven’t affected the Celtics’ winning run so far in the league.

Joe Mazzulla draws inspiration from Kobe Bryant’s legacy

Back in the day, there was a fierce rivalry between the Los Angeles Lakers and Boston Celtics which forged unforgettable moments, including the late Kobe Bryant’s 2010 NBA Finals victory over the Celtics. Bryant’s competitive spirit and determination made him a beloved figure on and off the court.

The Mamba’s legacy inspired players and coaches, including Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla. Mazzulla shared how Bryant’s mentality and work ethic influenced him in a conversation with Andscape’s Marc J. Spears.

I was inspired by him because he loved Bruce Lee. He loved soccer. He could speak multiple languages… And growing up in my coaching career, he inspired me to pull from others. Don’t just use basketball to get better. That should be the last thing you do to get better.

Joe Mazzulla said

The Celtics have been perfect so far, completely annihilating teams faced. Their next games see them go on the road starting with the Indiana Pacers.