His offseason NBA received a jolt in the final American hours of Wednesday, September 21. Adrian Wojnarowski (ESPN) reported that the coach Ime Udoka from Boston Celtics faced a possible “significant suspension” from the franchise itself.
ESPN sources: Boston Celtics coach Ime Udoka faces possible disciplinary action – including a significant suspension – for an unspecified violation of organizational guidelines. Discussions continue at the Celtics regarding the final decision. pic.twitter.com/1QZb0k326F
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) September 22, 2022
According to the report, Udoka faced possible disciplinary action – including a “substantial suspension” – for an unspecified violation of Celtics guidelines.
A day later, on the evening of Thursday the 22nd, official confirmation from the Celtics arrived: the coach was suspended for the entire 2022-2023 season for what Woj said was a violation of the organization’s guidelines.
What happened to Ime Udoka? Because the Celtics were sanctioning him
According to what was revealed a few hours later by journalist Shams Charania, Udoka had an intimate and consensual relationship with a member of staff, which was deemed unbecoming of the franchise and marked as a breach of the internal code of conduct.
An update that makes it clear the seriousness of what happened and that the Celtics will act forcefully in the face of this event.
The statement from the Boston Celtics after the suspension of Udoka
“The Boston Celtics announce that the team has suspended head coach Ime Udoka for the 2022-2023 season for violating team guidelines. A decision regarding his future with the Celtics beyond this season will be made at a later date. The suspension is in place effective immediately.”
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) September 23, 2022
What did Ime Udoka say about his suspension?
The the coach issued a statement almost simultaneously with the suspension of the Celtics.
“I want to apologize to our players, our fans, the entire Celtics organization and my family for letting them down. I regret putting the team in this difficult situation and I accept the team’s decision. Out of respect to all involved, I will do no more.” comments”.
NEW: Statement from Celtics coach Ime Udoka pic.twitter.com/MFutFx7c3l
— Malika Andrews (@malika_andrews) September 23, 2022
Who will replace Ime Udoka on the Boston Celtics?
Regardless of the length of Udoka’s punishment for this violation of the franchise’s internal regulations, all indications are that a replacement must be found.
And the person responsible for assuming that responsibility after the departure of the main assistant Will Hardy (he became the coach of the Utah Jazz), is expected to be Joe Mazzula. Someone who was also a candidate to move to Salt Lake City.
At age 34, Mazzulla has been with the Boston Celtics since 2019 after coaching at various NCAA Div. II.
Ime Udoka on the Boston Celtics: records and statistics
After seven years as an assistant to Gregg Popovich with the San Antonio Spurs, one season in Philadelphia and another in Brooklyn, Udoka took over the team for the 2021-2022 season and in his first campaign as head of the team he reached the NBA Finalssomething the Celtics hadn’t accomplished in 12 years.
Along the way, they swept none other than the defending champion Milwaukee Bucks in seven-game series (in the East semifinals) and the Miami Heat in the conference finals before falling to the Golden State Warriors in six games in the championship series.
His record in the regular season was 51-31 with a substantial improvement in the latter part of the tour, in which he achieved a record of 28-7 over the last 35 games.
How old is Ime Udoka and where was she born?
The coach turned 45 on August 9. He was born in 1977 in Portland, Oregon, although as a result of his progeny he later represented Nigeria professionally.
