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Gilbert Arenas accuses Joe Mazzula of wanting to make fighting legal; Makes 3 main points including Isaiah Stewart Why It’s Ridiculous – Hardwood Heroics

There are only a few times that Gilbert Arenas makes sense with his basketball actions, but his latest involving Boston Celtics head coach Joe Mazzula’s desire to make fistfights legal is being bought by many fans.

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September 24, 2024; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics head coach Joe Mazzula speaks with reporters during media day at the Auerbach Center. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images

Mazzula recently made headlines when he expressed his desire for players to fight on the court for fun, similar to what is done in the National Hockey League. He made the statement after being asked by NBC Boston what rule change he would like to see in the league.

Arenas was not amused. The three-time All-Star thinks the battle has many loopholes.

The first thing he mentioned was about the imbalance when it comes to power. He believed that some players were simply physically stronger than others.

He specifically asked:

“Is there anyone on his team who thinks that if Isaiah Stewart is allowed to punch one of them in the face, does he think that one of them won’t break their face or their jaw?”

“Which of his players thinks he’s going to have a chance against someone like him [Isaiah Stewart]someone like Draymond Green if they actually threw a shot and connected?” he continued.

Detroit Pistons, Isaiah Stewart
October 30, 2024; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Detroit Pistons center Isaiah Stewart (28) reacts after a goal by forward Tim Hardaway Jr. (not pictured) against the Philadelphia 76ers during the fourth quarter at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Images by Bill Streicher-Imagn

Stewart plays for the Detroit Pistons, and since he’s young, he’s already known for fights, including getting suspended for punching Drew Eubanks.

Arenas also talked about the possibility of players missing games for getting hit, just like the infamous incident with Rudy Tomjanovic, who was hit in the face, almost died, and his season ended. He only managed to play three seasons after that.

This makes sense because unlike in hockey, NBA players do not have defensive teams.

Joe Mazzulla’s willingness to fight could threaten the superstars

Another great point made by Arenas is the danger of fights that will result in star players who he believes what he would do, if ever, be the target of bruises.

Boston Celtics, Jayson Tatum, Joe Mazzula
March 7, 2024; Denver, Colorado, USA; Boston Celtics head coach Joe Mazzula during the first half against the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

“I will only attack the star player. I don’t care about the rest of your team,” he said on the show.

“I’ll try to get Luca out [Doncic]Kyrie [Irving]. I want the people who can impact the game.”

“Imagine if Shaq was allowed to hit someone,” he asked sarcastically.

Instead, Arenas amusingly suggested that maybe the coaches should be allowed to battle, pitting the 6’2 Mazzulla against the giant Darvin Ham.

Right now, it seems impossible for Mazzulla’s proposal to happen.

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