Boston Celtics head coach Ime Udoka’s second year coaching the team could be delayed until next NBA season. Udoka is facing disciplinary action from the organization after reportedly having a consummate, intimate relationship with one of the women that is part of the team’s staff.
According to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN, Udoka is likely facing a suspension that could last for the entire 2022-23 season. An announcement is expected to be made official today from the Celtics.
While he is facing the lengthy suspension, Udoka’s job is not believed to be in jeopardy. The organization’s guidelines were violated by the relationship that the two had despite it being labeled as consensual.
Udoka was engaged to actress Nia Long in 2015 and they had a son together in 2011. They have been together since 2010.
LATEST NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Ime Udoka Suspension & Boston Celtics Updates
Udoka had an excellent first season on the sidelines with the Celtics, leading them to a record of 51-31, which was good enough for second place in the Eastern Conference. Many people were surprised that things turned out that well as the Celtics were struggling near the midpoint of the season after a meltdown against the New York Knicks that dropped their record to 18-21.
From that point on, however, Boston turned into one of the best teams in the league. They bought into Udoka’s game plan, playing less isolation basketball on offense and moving the ball around. Defensively, they were among the better teams in the league all season. That momentum was carried into the postseason, where the Celtics fell just short in the NBA Finals against the Golden State Warriors.
LATEST NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Ime Udoka Suspension & Boston Celtics Updates
If Udoka is suspended for the entire season, reports indicate that assistant Joe Mazzulla would take over as interim head coach. Will Hardy, who was the team’s top assistant coach last season, departed earlier this offseason to take the head coaching job with the Utah Jazz.