Could it be time for Joe to go?

The WEEI Afternoons podcast episode titled 'Could it be time for Joe to go?' delivers a scathing critique of the Boston Celtics' recent playoff collapse, focusing on head coach Joe Mazzulla's rigid offensive philosophy, particularly his reliance on three-point shooting despite catastrophic misses. The hosts, Rich and Ken, alongside former NFL player Ted Johnson, dissect the team's failure to close out Game 7 against the Philadelphia 76ers, highlighting the Celtics' 36 missed threes and seven straight misses in the final minutes. They question Mazzulla’s inflexibility, suggesting his 'process over results' mindset fails in high-pressure moments. The discussion extends to Jason Tatum’s absence due to a knee issue, with debate over whether his decision was medically sound or a sign of softness. The hosts express outrage at Tatum and Jalen Brown’s celebratory behavior post-loss, calling it disrespectful to fans. They contrast this with past eras of more intense rivalries and player toughness, lamenting the modern NBA’s camaraderie culture. The episode also explores the team’s identity, questioning whether stars Tatum and Brown lack the mental toughness to lead in clutch moments, and whether the Celtics need a more abrasive, fiery presence like Draymond Green to elevate their culture. The conversation culminates in a growing sentiment that Mazzulla may be on a short leash, despite his toughness in past moments.