According to ESPN sources, Boston Celtics coach Ime Udoka likely faces a season-long suspension for his involvement in an intimate relationship with a female member of the franchise’s staff.
The NBA considers Udoka’s relationship to violate their guidelines. No sitting head coach has ever received a similar penalty, making this announcement unprecedented. It’s expected to be announced as soon as Thursday.
According to sources, assistant coach Joe Mazzulla is likely to become Boston’s temporary head coach for the season.
Will Hardy left Udoka’s staff to become the head coach of the Utah Jazz in June.
After his time in the NBA, Udoka became an assistant coach for the Brooklyn Nets, Philadelphia 76ers and San Antonio Spurs. Then last summer, he joined the Boston Celtics as a full-time head coach.
After Danny Ainge left his position as Boston’s president of basketball operations, Brad Stevens replaced him. Steven’s successor was his predecessor in the job: the new coach.
The Celtics’ dramatic improvement began when Udoka took over as coach. In January, the team was below .500 and finished the season with a 28-7 record over their final 35 games. Boston continued their good run through the Eastern Conference playoffs and made it to the NBA Finals for the first time in 12 years.
Udoka is the first head coach in 25 years to reach the NBA Finals in their first season. Nick Nurse achieved this feat in 2019.
Udoka was the first rookie coach to win multiple Game 7s in the same postseason. Through ESPN Stats & Info research, it’s revealed that he led Boston to wins against Miami and Milwaukee in the East Finals and Conference Semifinals, respectively.
However, Boston lost to Golden State in the NBA Finals in six games.
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