How Joe Mazzulla may have added to Boston Celtics interest in Mitchell Robinson

The Boston Celtics signed center Mitchell Robinson to a three-year, $47.4 million contract on July 1, 2026, surprising many as there were no major prior reports linking him to the team. Robinson, a 7-footer, was previously with the New York Knicks, who won the 2026 NBA championship. Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla had publicly praised Robinson before, which may have contributed to Boston's interest in signing him away from their rivals.