SAN ANTONIO, TX - OCTOBER 24: Patty Mills #8 of the San Antonio Spurs, assistant coaches Becky Hammon, Ime Udoka, and head coach Gregg Popovich watch action against the Indiana Pacers from the bench during an NBA game on October 24, 2018 at the AT&T Center in San Antonio, Texas. The Indiana Pacers won 116-96. Photo: Edward A. Ornelas/Getty Images
The Boston Celtics made headlines last month when their longtime head coach Brad Stevens announced that he would move into a managerial role with the organization. In addition, their longtime general manager Danny Ainge left the organization and appears to be taking a similar role with the Utah Jazz. With all of this change happening on the sideline, many fans were left asking one question. Who is going to coach the Boston Celtics next season? After a few weeks of speculation, it appears that the Celtics have found their guy.
Ime Udoka is poised to become the next head coach of the Boston Celtics. NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski shared the news via Twitter this afternoon.
"Udoka separated himself quickly in Brad Stevens' search process, including significant support from Celtics players who were impressed with Udoka after working under him with Team USA in the [FIBA] World [Championships]," he tweeted.
"Stevens was believed to value Udoka's extensive experience as an assistant with Spurs, Sixers and Nets. Udoka had developed into a top head coaching candidate in this cycle, and seemed destined to get a job. He's getting one with the Celtics that includes two young All-Stars."
Udoka is a veteran assistant coach who has spent time working for the Philadelphia 76ers and San Antonio Spurs. Most recently, he worked with Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving and James Harden as a member of the Brooklyn Nets coaching staff. He also has extensive playing experience. He played professional basketball in America, Spain and France for more than a decade. Along the way, he made stops in Los Angeles, New York, Portland, Sacramento and San Antonio.
For those unfamiliar with his playing or coaching career, Udoka's name often came up in Hollywood circles. He is Nia Long's former finacé and the proud father of Kez Sunday Udoka. Also, his sister, Mfon Udoka, played in the WNBA and competed with the women's Nigerian basketball team in the 2004 Summer Olympic Games in Athens Greece. She currently works as an assistant coach for the Nigeria women's national basketball team.
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