Boston Celtics’ Joe Mazzulla Zags on Season Length Conversation
Injuries and the correlation with how long the NBA season is have been a hot topic in basketball circles. It started when Steve Kerr gave an impassioned speech about how he thought the season was too long, and that’s what has caused more injuries.
The Boston Celtics are no strangers to massive injuries. Jayson Tatum suffered a torn Achilles tendon in the second round of the playoffs last season against the Knicks. Tatum is trying to return at some point this season from that devastating injury.
Multiple other coaches have given their input on the current state of the game since Kerr gave his thoughts. Joe Mazzulla was asked about his thoughts recently, and he had a different take than some of his peers.
GettyPHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – NOVEMBER 11: Boston Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla reacts during a game against the Philadelphia 76ers at Xfinity Mobile Arena on November 11, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
Boston Celtics Coach Joe Mazzulla Zags on Injury Thoughts
Mazzulla talked about how he is getting his players ready for the games ahead.
“I mean, I do think that’s where the game is headed (playing a faster pace) for sure. I don’t know the science or the medical data behind it, but I appreciate the wear, tear, physicality, the things the guys go through to get their bodies ready to play. The league is playing faster. That’s one of the reasons why, not having patters, playing 11-12 guys, keeping guys fresh, that’s huge.”
Mazzulla seems to like the way the game is played now, but he understands depth is at the forefront of success.
“It takes a lot more, and that’s why we are leaning more into anybody on any given night. Anybody who is the freshest physically and mentally. How can we take advantage of everyone’s strengths? Just kinda have to be aware of that, and then obviously trust the medical team and the sports science team.”
GettyDETROIT, MICHIGAN – OCTOBER 26: Joe Mazzulla head coach of the Boston Celtics looks on against the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena on October 26, 2025 in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images)
Celtics Coach Joe Mazzulla Appreciates Physicality in the NBA
Ever since he has taken over as the head coach for the Celtics, Mazzulla has established himself as a different kind of coach. He’s someone
While Mazzulla doesn’t have the same response to these injuries as Kerr, it doesn’t mean his approach to things is wrong. The NBA is highly unlikely to change the number of games played in the season, as it would mean losing a ton of revenue. Mazzulla wants his players to adapt to the times.
As the head coach, it’s his job to put his players in the best position to succeed.
J.K. Dobbins, Broncos Get Unfortunate Reality Check Amid Injury
Running back J.K. Dobbins
However, there is a grim reality check for both sides to face, at least regarding the latter situation.
Unfortunately for Dobbins, all he can do is wait it out.
J.K. Dobbins’ Injury Puts Broncos Future in Jeopardy
GettyJ.K. Dobbins #27 of the Denver Broncos reacts against the Las Vegas Raiders
Dobbins was on track for a career year, rushing for 772 yards and 4 touchdowns on 153 carries, before suffering his injury in Week 10 against the
He signed a one-year, $2 million contract with the Broncos in free agency.
Despite his strong play before the injury, Dobbins’ history suggests the Broncos would be wise to take a wait-and-see approach with his future.
“The Broncos and Dobbins are each posturing as confident he can make a full recovery and get back to playing at a high level.” The Denver Post’s Parker Gabriel wrote
“The reality, of course, is that Dobbins is a free agent after the season since he signed a one-year deal back in June. So while there’s no need to rush to any kind of prediction about Dobbins’ future, the nature of the injury and his contractual status make it at least plausible that he’s played his final snap in Denver.”
That is an unfortunate truth, but the Broncos have to take a long-term view on Dobbins.
Broncos Must Wait and See on Injured RB
The Broncos must consider the implications of Dobbins’ injury if they want to sign him to a multi-year deal, since complications could arise later on.
“Lisfranc injuries are really tough to come back from, though it depends on the exact nature of the injury, and we don’t know that precisely with Dobbins. We know it required surgery, which means there was tearing in at least one of several ligaments around that joint that needed to be repaired for Dobbins to have the structural integrity needed to get back to playing.” Gabriel wrote.
“The thing about Lisfranc injuries that’s so tough, according to Dr. Nicholas Strasser, an orthopedic foot and ankle surgeon I talked to this week, is that not only can the recovery itself be tricky and long, but also that they, in some cases, lead to longer-term issues like arthritis.”
The Broncos have turned to former undrafted free agent Jaleel McLaughlin alongside RJ Harvey in their backfield committee that also includes Tyler Badie in Dobbins’ absence.
J.K. Dobbins Remains Defiant Amid Daunting Injury
Dobbins overcame previous ankle and knee injuries to perform as he had for the Broncos this season, and he suggested this time would be no different.
“For those who will count me out again… Thank you,”
He called himself “Mr. Comeback” in another post, but he faces a potentially lifelong battle.
The Broncos are 9-2 and in the driver’s seat in the AFC, which at the very least would make for less travel during the playoffs en route to a potential Super Bowl berth.
