Udoka may soon be named Brooklyn Nets coach
Udoka was suspended by the Celtics for the entire 2022/23 NBA season
The Brooklyn Nets, who fired Steve Nash earlier Tuesday, are set to announce Ime Udoka as head coach even though the 45-year-old remains suspended from the Boston Celtics
Udoka was suspended by the Celtics for the entire 2022/23 NBA season for violating team policies regarding an improper intimate relationship with a female staff member on the team.
The relationship was originally believed to be consensual, but the woman later accused Udoka of making unwanted comments towards her.
Udoka later apologised after his suspension was revealed., with assistant coach Joe Mazzulla taking his place as interim head coach.
Udoka had impressed as a rookie as he led the Celtics to the NBA Finals where they lost in six games to the Golden State Warriors.
The 45-year-old remains under contract with the Celtics, so the team would have to give its permission for him to interview with another organisation, but Boston is willing to let him leave to accept another job, as reported by The Athletic's Shams Charania.
Udoka guided Boston to a 51-31 record during his first season as a head coach, and he finished fourth in Coach of the Year voting.He previously spent one season as an assistant with the Nets in 2020/21 under Nash following stints with the San Antonio Spurs and Philadelphia 76ers.
ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported Udoka is 'likely' to be the hire and it is set to be finalised in the next 24-48 hours.
The move comes after the Nets decided to fire Nash earlier Tuesday. The decision was reportedly mutual between the Nets organisation and two-time MVP after he led the team to a 2-5 record to open the season. Expectations were high heading into the 2022/23 NBA season given Brooklyn's roster, which includes superstars like Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving and Ben Simmons.
In a statement, Nash said: “A very heartfelt thanks to Joe and Clara Tsai along with Sean Marks for giving me the opportunity to coach the Brooklyn Nets. It was an amazing experience with many challenges that I’m incredibly grateful for.’’
