There was a familiar face in the house for day two of Celtics training camp – NBA Hall of Famer Paul Pierce. Following Wednesday’s practice session, Pierce was working with Jayson Tatum, alongside Celtics assistant coach and Pierce’s former teammate, Sam Cassell.
Tatum spent a lot of time around the Celtics legend this summer. On Monday, Tatum revealed that he spent about four weeks in the gym with Pierce training this offseason. “It was cool to have him around,” Tatum said. “He told us a lot of stories about the championship team, a lot of stuff we can try to apply to this year. Hopefully, we see a lot more of Paul.”
With all the roster movement this year, especially in trading Marcus Smart, there is going to be a culture shift this season. Head coach Joe Mazzulla is taking a unique approach to rebuilding the Celtics culture.
“I sent an email out to all the Celtic former players because I felt like it’s important that we share this experience together,” Mazzulla said. “They started the tradition, they kept it going, and now it’s our responsibility as an organization to keep it alive.”
So far, the alumni have answered the call. During Tuesday’s practice, Eddie House, Leon Powe, and Satch Sanders were in attendance. Wednesday, it was Pierce.
"The past should be the banners, but should (also) be (about) the people, so I thought it was extremely important that any and every Celtic is welcome to a practice or a game.” said Mazzulla.
This is the type of culture Mazzulla hopes to normalize. The second-year head coach noted he wants it to be similar to when players go back and workout at their alma mater after making it to the pros.
“If there is people around all the time, not just at a Game 7, not just at the playoff game, then it becomes like we’re doing this together,” Mazzulla said. “I wanted to break that barrier of once and awhile.”
Derrick White sees having the alumni around as a valuable resource. “Paul is a legend in this game and it’s great to have him here supporting us,” White said Wednesday. “Eddie (House) is always around, and Leon (Poe) was here yesterday, so it’s just good to see those guys. They had great careers so you can learn so much from them.”
Boston also added two former Celtics to its coaching staff this offseason, Cassell and Phil Pressey.
The culture in a locker room is important in any sport, especially for a team with championship expectations, like the Celtics. The Celtics are fortunate to have such a rich history, and they are taking advantage of it.
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