BREAKING NEWS: Former Boston Celtics National Basketball Head Coach Doc Rivers whom involved in media, including launching his own podcast, sent a Shocking message to Boston Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla and the Entire Boston Celtics Team concerning his…see more

BREAKING NEWS: Former Celtics Coach Doc Rivers Sends Shocking Message to Joe Mazzulla and Entire Boston Celtics Team Amid Media Resurgence

Boston, MA – August 6, 2025 – In a stunning twist that’s shaking the NBA world, former Boston Celtics head coach Doc Rivers, now firmly entrenched in the media landscape with the recent launch of his new podcast “From the Bench with Doc Rivers”, has issued a blunt and emotional message to current Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla and the entire Celtics roster.

Rivers, who led the Celtics to their last NBA Championship in 2008, didn’t hold back in his latest episode titled “Championship Standards: Missing or Misplaced?” In it, he took direct aim at what he perceives to be a loss of accountability, mental toughness, and identity within the current Celtics squad.

“This team has the tools to win it all. But tools don’t build championships—heart, leadership, and sacrifice do,” Rivers said. “Joe’s a smart coach, but being smart isn’t enough. You have to command the room, earn the respect, and hold your stars accountable. I’m not seeing that right now.”

Rivers’ comments come just months after the Celtics fell short in the 2025 Eastern Conference Finals, despite boasting one of the league’s most talented rosters. Though the team showed flashes of brilliance, inconsistency, lack of late-game execution, and defensive lapses plagued their postseason run—points Rivers emphasized in his fiery address.

“I’m seeing guys talking about legacy without earning it. Talking about banners before earning the blood and sweat it takes to hang one,” Rivers said, adding, “You play in Boston. That means something. If you’re wearing green, you better respect that jersey every single night.”

The episode has since gone viral, trending across sports media and igniting a storm of reactions from NBA insiders, former players, and Celtics fans. While many praised Rivers for his honesty and passion, others questioned whether the timing—and tone—of the message might stir unnecessary tension.

Current Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla was asked about Rivers’ remarks during a pre-season training media availability and responded calmly:

“I respect Doc and what he accomplished here. He has every right to share his views. We’re focused on getting better, staying together, and building something our own way.”

Behind the scenes, however, reports suggest Rivers’ words struck a nerve with members of the Celtics organization. One anonymous team source noted, “There’s definitely a feeling that Doc said what some people inside the building have been thinking but weren’t saying out loud.”

Fans, meanwhile, are split—some applauding Rivers for reigniting the fire of Celtics tradition, others accusing him of stirring controversy for podcast clicks.

Rivers, however, seems to have no regrets. In a closing statement from the podcast, he left the Celtics with one final challenge:

“I still love this franchise. I’ll always root for Boston. But if you want that 18th banner? Then stop talking about history and start acting like you’re part of it.”

As training camp looms, the question now is: Will Joe Mazzulla and the Celtics use this message as motivation—or let the weight of expectations drag them down once again?

One thing’s clear: Doc Rivers might not be on the sidelines anymore, but his voice is louder than ever.