Celtics decide to hire Ime Udoka as Brad Stevens’ successor
Earlier this month, the Boston Celtics experienced a massive change after head coach Brad Stevens stepped down to take over as the team’s general manager.
The Celtics followed the decision with a thorough search for the next head coach. According to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN, their efforts have led them to hire Brooklyn Nets assistant coach Ime Udoka.
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The former NBA swingman served as an NBA coach over the last few years. The 43-year-old serviced as an assistant coach for the San Antonio Spurs on Greg Popovich’s staff for seven years.
He joined Brett Brown for two years with the Philadelphia 76ers before moving to Steve Nash’s coaching staff this season in Brooklyn.
Udoka will begin his first stint as an NBA head coach, where he will work with a talented young core led by All-Stars Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown.
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He beat out both Milwaukee Bucks assistant Darvin Ham and LA Clippers assistant Chauncey Billups for the position. The move quickly allows Udoka to get familiar with the franchise and roster over the next several months before the 2021-22 campaign.
Stevens and the front office can now work toward constructing a team more tailored to Udoka’s preference. The Celtics are likely to make several notable roster moves, especially after offloading Kemba Walker to the Oklahoma City Thunder last week.
Boston will work to build around their two young stars to push their way into title contention. The next few months will be crucial in determining the direction of the franchise.
