SENATE RESOLUTION CONGRATULATING RHODE ISLAND NATIVE JOSEPH MAZZULLA, HEAD COACH OF THE BOSTON CELTICS, ON BEING NAMED THE 2025-2026 NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION COACH OF THE YEAR

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Pete Appollonio and 9 co-sponsors

Rhode Island native Joseph Mazzulla is congratulated for being named the 2025-2026 NBA Coach of the Year for his leadership of the Boston Celtics.

06/02/2026 Senate read and passed

Overview

Type: Senate Resolution (S. Res. 3342)

Jurisdiction: Rhode Island

Session: 2026

Title: Senate Resolution congratulating Rhode Island native Joseph Mazzulla, head coach of the Boston Celtics, on being named the 2025-2026 NBA Coach of the Year

Introduced by: Senator Andrew R. Dimitri

Date Introduced: June 2, 2026

Status: Recommended for Immediate Consideration

Purpose and intent

To formally recognize and congratulate Joseph Mazzulla, a Rhode Island native and Johnston/ Bishop Hendricken alumnus, for being named the NBA Coach of the Year for the 2025-2026 season.

To acknowledge his leadership and achievements with the Boston Celtics, including prior successes and contributions to the team’s performance.

Key provisions and actions

Declaration of congratulations: The resolution states the Senate’s hearty and joyous congratulations to Joseph Mazzulla for earning the NBA Coach of the Year award.

Certification and transmission: The Secretary of State is authorized and directed to provide a duly certified copy of the resolution to Joseph Mazzulla, the Boston Celtics’ head coach.

Who/what is affected

Individual honored: Joseph Mazzulla (Rhode Island native, head coach of the Boston Celtics).

Entity receiving acknowledgment: Joseph Mazzulla and, by extension, the Rhode Island community recognizing one of its notable natives.

No fiscal impact or policy changes: The resolution does not contain appropriations, statutory changes, or regulatory obligations beyond ceremonial recognition.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Referral and consideration: The bill was introduced and referred for immediate consideration, indicating a swift procedural path typical for resolutions recognizing individuals.

Effective date: As a resolution, it would take effect upon passage and would be used for ceremonial purposes and formal communications.

Notable context and details

The resolution highlights Mazzulla’s accomplishments with the Celtics since becoming head coach on September 22, 2022, including multiple playoff berths, an NBA championship in 2024, and a high winning percentage.

It notes the 2025-2026 season’s challenges (e.g., a significant injury to Jayson Tatum) and still achieving a strong 56-26 record, securing the Celtics’ standing in the Eastern Conference and earning Coach of the Year honors.

Emphasizes Mazzulla’s Rhode Island roots, his development of players, and his broader leadership qualities.