Psycho Joe Mazzulla Delivers Again By Explaining How He Refuses To Befriend Opposing Coaches So They Don't Gain A Competitive Edge

Brian Fluharty. Getty Images.

I can't even attempt to lie, I am addicted to Psycho Joe Mazzulla quotes. Partially because they are all patently insane, but also because they are 100000% authentic. While some out there definitely want to try and copy this approach (cough cough, JJ Redick), there's nothing quite like the original. Ever since he became the head coach, Joe Mazzulla has not only delivered on the basketball court but also on the mic.

Our latest example comes from practice today, and it provided great insight into just what a psycho this man is and how his competitive brain works. It's always on. Every second of every day is about competing and gaining a competitive advantage over their opponent. Frankly, it's not only refreshing, but it provides us with all-time moments like this

Said another way….

I mean, there is not a bone in Joe's body that is even remotely joking in that clip. He's as serious as a heart attack while being his completely authentic self. The NBA season starts? It's fuck everyone and everything when it comes to winning basketball games. That's incredible. It doesn't even matter if you're a former lead assistant who helped you win an NBA title, the second you leave the organization you are now the enemy. No buddy buddy, no hugs, no nice to see you, Psycho Joe Mazzulla wants to destroy you and everything your team stands for. 

You have to be completely unhinged to think there is even an ounce of competitive edge that comes from saying hi to your former coworker, but even if there's a 0.000000001% chance, Joe Mazzulla would rather die than allow it to happen. Again, if pretty much any other coach in the NBA said shit like this, they'd be clowned for it. But because we know Joe is literally a basketball psycho, we have no choice but to believe him.

I'll remind you, that this is one of the the most successful coaches in NBA history (fact, not opinion. Sorry if this offends) so this approach clearly works. There's plenty of time to be friends in the offseason. That's what Summer League is for when the entire NBA heads to Vegas and everyone hangs out together. But once the regular season starts, while other coaches around the league may think relationships and friendships are important, NBA Champion Joe Mazzulla cares about one thing and one thing only.

Winning.

They say organizational culture starts at the top, and there is simply no denying that what Joe has created since being given the keys to this team has turned them into champions and if this is how Joe feels, you know the players feel the same way. When the goal is to win another banner, you can never take a second off and let your guard down for even a moment. 

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You have to stay locked in at all times for 8+ months, and those who do will ultimately be the last team standing.