Joe Mazzulla Proposes Innovative Changes to the NBA Cup and League Structure

Boston Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla is known for his innovative ideas and charismatic communication style, which were on full display during a recent pre-game press conference. Addressing the importance of the NBA Cup ahead of a game against the undefeated Cleveland Cavaliers, Mazzulla was questioned on the significance of the tournament. He humorously responded with, «Who said that?», drawing laughter before elaborating on the opportunity the NBA Cup presents to teams over the lengthy season.

«It presents an opportunity for us to go after something, to win something,» Mazzulla explained. «To me, over the course of a long season, it presents something good that can come from it. If you lose, you’re upset because you didn’t achieve your goal, and if you win, you did. It’s a win-win for us.» His comments highlighted the motivational role the tournament plays for teams like Boston, who are currently 11-3 this season.

These remarks come as part of Mazzulla’s broader vision for the NBA, which he shared during an interview on 98.5 The Sports Hub’s Zolak & Bertrand show. Mazzulla proposed expanding the NBA Cup to incorporate elements seen in European football, such as running multiple tournaments simultaneously. «It’s really cool in soccer where you’re playing in three leagues at once,» he noted.

Mazzulla, an avid follower of teams like Manchester City, admires the European model where clubs compete in several competitions like the Champions League while maintaining their domestic league schedules. He suggests the NBA could adopt similar structures, envisioning a scenario where teams could partake in multiple in-season tournaments alongside the regular season.

Mazzulla expressed interest in having NBA clubs possibly compete against EuroLeague teams in an international style Champions League format. Additionally, he proposed a reduction in the NBA’s regular season games to accommodate a 10-game tournament schedule, enhancing the competitive nature of the league.

Perhaps Mazzulla’s most radical suggestion was the introduction of a «loan system» similar to that used in European football, where players can temporarily transfer to other teams. «It’s a good system,» Mazzulla commented, explaining that it could provide teams flexibility without the need for permanent trades.

While the likelihood of these proposals materializing remains uncertain, Mazzulla’s creative perspectives continue to spark discussions about the future possibilities in professional basketball.