Mitchell Robinson Embraces Joe Mazzulla's Tough Coaching After Joining Celtics

Boston Celtics center Mitchell Robinson logged 12 points, 7 rebounds, and a game-high 3 blocks during a 114-93 preseason victory over the Charlotte Hornets, showcasing an immediate interior impact after joining the Celtics in the offseason.

Robinson Adjusts to Mazzulla Demands After Knicks Exit

After playing eight seasons of his NBA career with the New York Knicks, Robinson changed tunics for the first time in his career to join the Celtics in the offseason. The transition brought him face-to-face with Mazzulla’s demanding coaching style, which includes blunt locker room critiques. “He’s getting on my (expletive) a lot,” Robinson said in the locker room. “Not sprinting, not setting good screens, letting the guy go under. There’s a lot of (expletive) that he tells me.” Despite the rough language, Robinson stated he does not take the criticism personally, noting that Mazzulla’s precise feedback helps the team succeed. He embraces it and makes adjustments.

Drawing Parallels to Tom Thibodeau’s Coaching Style

Robinson’s comfort under a vocal head coach stems from his time under Tom Thibodeau in New York. Thibodeau prepared Robinson for demanding leadership styles. When asked about Mazzulla’s approach after the Hornets matchup, Robinson smiled and noted that the reigning NBA Coach of the Year provides exceptionally detailed instructions. “Mitch is one of the smartest players I’ve coached,” Mazzulla said, praising his new center’s high basketball IQ and ability to absorb complex schemes quickly.

I also asked Neemias Queta about his minutes with Mitchell Robinson tonight:“A lot of presence in the paint on both sides. Length, ability of covering ground, rebounding. Obviously, yes, I think we can be really good together.“It's just edging” the finer points, “which will… https://t.co/hXQGpu1VVJ pic.twitter.com/6ORP5c6tn8””

— https://x.com/BobbyKrivitsky/status/2110566450045874356

Expanding the Frontcourt Rotation with Neemias Queta

During the win against Charlotte, Mazzulla deployed Robinson alongside fellow big man Neemias Queta for the first time. The pairing generated a swift 12-3 run for Boston. “He takes up space in the paint on both ends of the floor because of his length, his ability to cover ground, and to grab rebounds,” Queta said of his new frontcourt partner. Robinson shot a perfect 5-for-5 from the field while anchoring a defense that held Charlotte to just two team blocks.

Preseason Finale Preperations Against the Philadelphia 76ers

As the preseason draws to a close, Robinson is focusing on refining his role within Boston’s intricate offensive system, particularly finding correct angles on ball screens. “It really is just screening, as long as I get my angles right,” Robinson explained. “And what guys like to do, what Payton (Pritchard) likes to do, what Sam (Hauser), (Jayson Tatum), all those guys — once I learn really what they like to do, I think I’ll be alright.”

York york jayson tatum of the boston celtics passes as mitchell robinson of the

Stat Glossary and Additional Information

During his previous 2025-26 season with New York, Robinson played 60 games with 19:35 minutes, 72.3% shooting, 4.2 offensive rebounds, 4.6 defensive rebounds, 8.8 total rebounds, 0.9 assists, 2.1 personal fouls, 0.9 interceptions, 0.7 turnovers, 1.2 blocks, and 5.7 points.