Udoka might be out for part as well as the entire 2022/23 Celtics season because of an infraction to team rules.
In his first year as the head coach, Ime Udoka brought the Celtics to the NBA Finals, something that even he admits occurred before schedule.Boston Celtics coach Ime Udoka is facing an “significant” suspension for violating team rules, as per numerous reports.
The ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reports Udoka is being investigated for disciplinary actions due to “his role in a consensual, intimate relationship with a woman who is a member of the franchise’s staff,” according to sources. The sources inform that the ESPN report that their relationship was in violation of team rules, and that discussions within the team have led to an eventual suspension that could run up to the end of the 2022-2023 Celtics season. According to ESPN’s sources, Udoka’s employment isn’t in danger.
The possibility of suspension for Udoka was confirmed by the Boston Globe’s Adam Himmelsbach among others Wednesday evening. Himmelsbach says a final decision regarding Udoka could be made on Thursday.Udoka was appointed by the Celtics in summer in 2021 to take over Brad Stevens, who himself was replaced by Danny Ainge in the Celtics front office as the head of basketball operations for the team. Udoka’s chief teammate, Will Hardy, recently quit to join Danny Ainge as a coach for The Utah Jazz. Wojnarowski says Celtics Assistant Joe Mazzulla would be in great possibility of being considered for an interim position should Udoka be suspended.
Udoka was a part of the Celtics following time as an assistant coach for the Spurs the 76ers, Spurs, and Nets and also his NBA player. He is currently engaged to actress Nia Long. The couple have an 11-year-old son.