In an emotional return to TD Garden, Boston Celtics Head Coach Joe Mazzulla fought back tears as he paid tribute to his late mentor during a heartfelt ceremony ahead of the team’s championship celebration. The Celtics, fresh off their record-breaking 18th NBA title, gathered to honor not only their triumph on the court—but the legacy of a man who helped shape Mazzulla’s journey to the pinnacle of professional basketball.
The Celtics organization had organized a moment of silence and a tribute video in memory of former assistant coach and player development specialist, David “Coach D” Harrison, who passed away unexpectedly last month due to a heart condition. Coach Harrison had worked with Mazzulla early in his career and was instrumental in his development as both a player and a coach.
Mazzulla, 36, stood at center court during the ceremony, visibly emotional as images of Harrison played on the jumbotron. As the final frames faded to black, the crowd of over 19,000 rose to their feet in a standing ovation. Mazzulla removed his cap, placed his hand over his heart, and stepped up to the mic.
“He was more than a coach to me,” Mazzulla said, his voice trembling. “He was a friend, a mentor, and a man who believed in me before anyone else did. I wouldn’t be here without him.”
As he paused, wiping away a tear, the crowd stayed silent—honoring the weight of the moment.
Mazzulla has often credited Harrison for instilling in him a sense of discipline and purpose during his early coaching days in the G League and college ranks. The two maintained a close bond even after Harrison stepped away from the NBA sidelines in 2023 to focus on youth mentorship programs in the Boston area.
“I always told Coach D that if I ever made it to the top, I’d carry him with me,” Mazzulla added. “Every play we drew up this season, every time I pushed these guys to be better—it was his voice in the back of my head.”
The Celtics’ run to their 18th title was historic not just for the win, but for the culture Mazzulla helped build. Players including Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown have praised his emotional intelligence, calm under pressure, and commitment to the human side of coaching—traits many say were passed down from Harrison.
Following the ceremony, the Celtics unveiled a commemorative patch that will be worn by players during the 2025–26 season. The patch, a black circle with “CDH” in gold lettering, is a quiet but powerful reminder of the man whose fingerprints remain all over the franchise’s identity.
As the evening continued with celebration, music, and confetti, one moment stood apart: a quiet nod, a tearful tribute, and a coach who made sure the world remembered the man who helped get him there.
