Celtics head coach visits RI with NBA championship trophy

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — Boston Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla, otherwise known as “Johnston Joe” made his way back home to Rhode Island on Tuesday.

“We really support Joe. We’re really proud of him and proud of him bringing the trophy home,” said Seekonk resident Todd Bartolomeo.

It was a homecoming for Mazzulla, taking in his first NBA championship as head coach of the Celtics, the 18th championship for the franchise.

“I left Rhode Island very young. I think when you leave that early you don’t realize the relationships that you build or the impact you may have,” said Mazzulla.

Mazzulla was a star player at Bishop Hendricken High School, then moved on to play at West Virginia University.

He then entered the coaching world, eventually landing his dream job with the Celtics back in 2023.

“One of the greatest gifts God has given me is being able to come back where I am from to redevelop relationships and having an understanding,” added Mazzulla.

Fans were able to meet Mazzulla and also stand with the Larry O’Brien championship trophy.

“It’s kind of crazy. It’s so shiny in person, I did not expect it to be glowing, it’s crazy,” said Portsmouth resident Kerry Ryan.

“Today we are up close and personal with it which is very special. You can see the coach ten feet away,” said Cranston resident, Jimmy Castelluzzo.