BREAKING NEWS: Former Boston Celtics National Basketball head coach Doc Rivers now with Milwaukee Bucks, sent a message to Boston Celtics basketball head coach Joe Mazzulla concerning his…see more

In a heartfelt yet pointed message, former Boston Celtics head coach Doc Rivers, now leading the Milwaukee Bucks, has offered public words of advice and warning to Joe Mazzulla, the current head coach of the Boston Celtics, following the Celtics’ recent NBA championship and growing expectations for continued dominance.

Rivers, who famously coached the Celtics to an NBA title in 2008 and remains one of the most respected voices in the league, shared his thoughts during a sit-down interview on ESPN’s NBA Countdown, saying he felt “compelled” to speak directly to Mazzulla as he enters a new chapter of coaching under the massive spotlight of success.

“Joe’s got the job now that every coach wants — and every coach should fear,” Rivers said. “Winning in Boston is one thing. Sustaining it is where the real pressure begins.”

“Boston Doesn’t Just Remember Championships — It Demands Them”

Doc Rivers, who knows firsthand the emotional highs and exhausting demands of coaching in Boston, praised Mazzulla’s poise during the Celtics’ 2024–25 title run, but warned him of what comes next.

“The city, the media, the locker room — they all change after a banner goes up. The celebration is short. What’s next is expectations, judgment, and the test of whether you can evolve.”

He added that the hardest challenge isn’t winning the first title — it’s keeping the team motivated, united, and hungry after success.

Joe Mazzulla Responds: “Pressure Is a Privilege”

Mazzulla responded during a Celtics training session at the Auerbach Center, acknowledging Rivers’ message and showing respect for his legacy.

“Doc’s a championship coach. I respect everything he did here,” Mazzulla said. “Pressure? That’s a privilege in Boston. That means you’re in the conversation. That’s where we want to stay.”

Mazzulla also emphasized that his focus remains on internal growth — not outside expectations.

“We’re building something that can last, and it starts with our habits. One title isn’t the finish line.”

Celtics and Bucks: A New Eastern Rivalry

With Rivers now coaching Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks, and Mazzulla at the helm of the reigning champions, the two coaches are likely to face each other in high-stakes matchups for seasons to come.

Their contrasting styles — Rivers’ experience and tactical depth vs. Mazzulla’s youthful innovation — have already created buzz for a budding rivalry between Boston and Milwaukee.

ESPN’s Brian Windhorst commented:

“It’s almost symbolic. The past and the future of Celtics coaching, now facing off in the East. This could get very interesting.”

Boston Fans Divided

Reactions among Boston fans were mixed. Some saw Rivers’ remarks as thoughtful mentorship, while others viewed it as unnecessary pressure on Mazzulla.

• @CelticPride08 tweeted:

  “Doc is right — winning is the easy part. Staying on top is the real grind. Let’s go, Joe.”

• @GreenDynasty4Ever responded:

  “Respect to Doc, but Mazzulla just brought us a ring. Let him breathe!”

BOTTOM LINE: Doc Rivers’ message to Joe Mazzulla wasn’t just advice — it was a reality check from someone who knows what it means to coach under Boston’s historic banners. As the Celtics aim to build a new dynasty, the torch has clearly been passed — and all eyes are on whether Mazzulla can carry it forward.