Joe Mazzulla Reveals How AI Is Changing His Approach to Celtics Coaching

Joe Mazzulla Reveals How AI Is Changing His Approach to Celtics Coaching originally appeared on NESN. Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here.Joe Mazzulla is always looking for ways to get more out of the Boston Celtics, whether it involves making adjustments on the court or finding ways to improve the team's preparation.The Celtics head coach has found an unexpected resource to help with that process: artificial intelligence.Here's Mazzulla in full describing how he uses Claude: https://t.co/vrAcjdxlIH— Bobby Manning (@RealBobManning) October 29, 2026Mazzulla discussed his use of AI with reporters Friday, explaining how the technology has helped him evaluate his coaching methods, organize ideas and explore different approaches to preparing his team."It's more just helping organize, helping become more efficient, helping understand," Mazzulla said, per Noa Dalzell. "You really use it for just conversation and riffs on, like — okay, here's what I'm wrestling with. What does this look like from a psychological perspective? What is the research and the data? You quickly get just so much research and data on things."Rather than relying on AI to provide definitive answers, Mazzulla views it as another resource to challenge his thinking and identify potential improvements.The fifth-year head coach has been examining several aspects of the Celtics' preparation, including their pregame and halftime film sessions, practice routines and how players retain information.One example involved comparing three sports Mazzulla has studied extensively: basketball, soccer and handball.He used AI to explore the similarities between the sports, identify shared elements of play and determine how those concepts could translate to a five-on-five basketball setting.For Mazzulla, the goal is to find more effective ways to communicate with his players and maximize the limited time available during practices and games.He also wants to make sure the Celtics are getting the most out of their film sessions, particularly when it comes to helping players understand and retain the game plan.The approach reflects Mazzulla's willingness to question established routines rather than assume the team's current methods are the best possible options.As Boston continues working through the 2026-27 NBA season, the coach is looking for every available advantage. AI has become another tool in that effort, helping him explore new ideas and reconsider how the Celtics approach their preparation.More CelticsLatest Celtics newsTD Garden fan guide: What to know before you goComplete history of Celtics championships