Through three days of Celtics training camp, a common word to describe the sessions has been “intense.”
On Wednesday, co-owners Wyc Grousbeck and Steve Pagliuca gushed with excitement following practice, even bringing back memories from when the team won it all back in 2008.
Lack of focus and intensity plagued the Celtics in the postseason. Remaining engaged for a full 48 minutes was something the Celtics struggled to do, and if the first three days of training camp are any indicator, it’s a problem they are working hard to resolve, setting the tone from the start.
Joe Mazzulla has often mentioned the importance of having the right mindset recently, and so far, the head coach has been pleased. “They bring the energy. They bring a passion about the game,” Mazzulla said after Thursday’s practice. “It’s fun to be a part of that.”
The players are bought in. Joe Mazzulla mentioned when appearing on the “Old Man and the Three” podcast that this has been the best preseason in terms of buy-in from top players since he arrived in Boston in 2019. Jayson Tatum also acknowledged the buy-in on Wednesday.
When asked what has stood out through the first few days on camp Tatum’s answer was simple.
“The energy level,” Tatum said. “The commitment to paying attention, guys are in here at 7:30 in the morning, and we’ve had two-a-days the last two days.”
As Mazzulla looks to reinstall Celtics culture, the Celtics have been surrounded by champions. Paul Pierce, Eddie House, Leon Powe, and Satch Sanders have all been present at practice this week. The buy-in has caught the eye of Pierce.
“You can see it in the habits before, during, and after (practice),” the NBA Hall of Famer said. “Guys are getting extra shots up, are the in the weight room, you can just feel it in the air.”
“Guys are getting here early and practices are intense,” Pierce added.
Having raised a banner in Boston, Pierce knows what it takes. Similar to Grousbeck, the intensity has stood out to him. When asked about the comparisons of this team to the 2008 championship team, Pierce said, “It’s the intensity. These guys are coming in with high expectations and understand that.”
It’s a long season. Maintaining high energy and intensity through an 82-game season plus playoffs is either said than done. But with championship expectations, remaining focused on the end goal is going to be one of Boston’s most important tasks, and it’s a habit they are trying to establish early on in the season.
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