I admit I’m a Dallas Mavericks fan. I don’t root for the Boston Celtics.
But the head coach of the Celtics, Joe Mazzulla, impressed me greatly with his answer to a question from a reporter about the NBA Finals.
Mazzulla was asked by Yahoo Sports senior reporter Vincent Goodwill:
“For the first time since 1975…you have two black coaches. Given the plight sometimes of Black head coaches in the NBA, do you think this is a significant moment? Do you take pride in this? How do you view this, or do you not see it at all?”
How would you answer that question?
Mazzulla’s response to the question was not only thought-provoking but also unique. He countered, “I wonder how many of those have been Christian coaches.” This remark showcased his insightful thinking and raised an important point about being a Christian: that one’s spiritual identity is more important than one’s racial identity.
Paul said something similar in Gal 3:28: “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”
The question was politically correct. It was woke certified. But Mazzulla would have none of it.
For more on this exchange, see this Washington Times article and this Breitbart News article.
Chad Hawley, founder of a Christian social media network, wrote on X: “Coach Mazzulla appears to be more proud of his faith than the color of his skin. Me too!”
Jason Kates said, “I love Joe Mazzulla! His identity is not in his melanin level. His identity is not in his job or his success in that job. His identity is in Jesus Christ.”
Though I’m thrilled with what Mazzulla said, I’ve not seen any clear indication that he believes in Jesus for everlasting life. According to the Washington Times article, “Mazzulla is a devout Catholic.”
Of course, some Catholics believed in Jesus for the free gift of everlasting life previously. Some even believe in His irrevocable gift now. But most Catholics believe in salvation by the seven sacraments and have not yet believed in Jesus’ promise of everlasting life.
Whether he is born again or not, Mazzulla is brave. He is unafraid to swim against the woke tide.
If the Celtics beat the Mavs, I’ll take solace because I like their head coach.
