Tag: ime udoka

Houston Rockets hire Ime Udoka as new head coach

The Houston Rockets yesterday named Ime Udoka the team’s new head coach.

Udoka becomes the team’s 15th head coach in franchise history.

In his lone season as head coach of Boston in 2021-22, Udoka helped the Celtics bounce back from a .500 record the previous season to win 51 games, capped off with an impressive run to the NBA Finals which included Game 7 victories over Milwaukee and Miami.

“We are excited to welcome Ime to the Houston Rockets,” said Rockets General Manager Rafael Stone. “Ime’s intelligence, drive and toughness were the traits we were looking for in a coach to lead our team through this next stage of our development as we strive to become a champion. We were honored to have the opportunity to speak to multiple outstanding candidates throughout the interview process and felt that Ime’s vision best aligned with the goals the Fertitta Family and myself have for the future of the Rockets.”

Udoka’s Celtics ranked first in the league in both field goal defense and fewest points allowed in 2021-22 after the team ranked 13th in defensive rating the previous season. He was a two-time winner of the Eastern Conference Coach of the Month award and finished fourth in voting for Coach of the Year.

Prior to becoming head coach of the Celtics, Udoka was an assistant coach on Gregg Popovich’s San Antonio staff from 2012-13 through 2018-19, Brett Brown’s Philadelphia staff in 2019-20 and Steve Nash’s Brooklyn staff in 2020-21, Those teams made the playoffs in each of Udoka’s nine seasons as an assistant, with the Spurs winning the title in 2013-14. Udoka was also a member of Popovich’s staff for USA Basketball during the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and the 2019 FIBA World Cup.

Per the Houston Chronicle, “Udoka led Boston to the 2022 Finals in his first season as a head coach but was suspended in September and dismissed in February for having an improper relationship with a staff member, considered a violation of team rules. During the All-Star break two months ago, the Celtics agreed to a long-term contract with Joe Mazzulla, who began the season as their interim coach.”

More from the Chronicle: “Udoka issued a statement after he was suspended, apologizing for his actions without specifically addressing them. He has not commented since. “I want to apologize to our players, fans, the entire Celtics organization, and my family for letting them down,” Udoka said in the statement. “I am sorry for putting the team in this difficult situation, and I accept the team’s decision. Out of respect for everyone involved, I will have no further comment.”

As a player, Udoka spent parts of seven seasons in the NBA from 2003-04 through 2010-11 while appearing in 316 games with 80 starts. After going undrafted in 2000, he had brief stints with the Los Angeles Lakers and New York but spent most of his time in the NBA Development League and playing overseas. Udoka’s first full NBA season was as a 29-year-old for Portland in 2006-07 and the following season, he helped the Spurs reach the Western Conference Finals. Besides Popovich, Udoka played for Phil Jackson, Larry Brown, Nate McMillan and Paul Westphal.

Rockets will reportedly hire Ime Udoka as new coach

Via the Houston Chronicle:

Step one of a pivotal summer for the Houston Rockets is now complete as the franchise reportedly reached a deal Monday to hire Ime Udoka as its next head coach, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.

Udoka, 45, comes to Houston following an NBA career that spans two decades. He played for five different franchises from 2002-12, and then quickly moved to coaching as he took an assistant role on Gregg Popovich’s staff in San Antonio. Udoka parlayed that role into the head coaching job with the Celtics in 2021-22, in which Boston went 51–31 before reaching the NBA Finals.

Celtics suspend head coach Ime Udoka for the entire 2022-23 NBA season

The Boston Celtics have suspended head coach Ime Udoka for the entire 2022-23 NBA season for violations of team policies.

The suspension takes effect immediately.

The team says that a decision about his future with the Celtics beyond this season will be made at a later date.

Via Boston.com:

Per reports, Udoka was suspended for having an “intimate, consensual” relationship with a Celtics staffer. He reportedly does not intend to resign as he awaits the Celtics’ decision on his future status.

In his first season as Celtics coach, Udoka helped the team turn what started as a disappointing season into its most successful run since 2010. The Celtics were the hottest team in basketball over the second half of last season and made a run to the NBA Finals, where they were eliminated by the Warriors in six games.

Boston Celtics name Ime Udoka new head coach

The Boston Celtics have named seven-year NBA veteran Ime Udoka the franchise’s next head coach, making him the 18th head coach in the organization’s 75-year history.

“I would like to welcome Ime, Nia, Kez, and Massai to the Boston Celtics. Among the many outstanding qualities that Ime brings to the table are his character, humility, and competitiveness. He has a relentless work ethic and a vast array of experiences as a player and coach,” said Celtics President of Basketball Operations Brad Stevens. “He’s a leader that is warm and demanding, and we are so excited that he has chosen to join us in pursuit of Banner 18.”

Udoka joins the Celtics franchise after spending the last nine NBA seasons as an assistant coach between San Antonio (2012-13 to 2018-19), Philadelphia (2019-20), and Brooklyn (2020-21). Teams that Udoka has served as an assistant coach on have qualified for the playoffs in all nine seasons, with one of those years resulting in an NBA championship (Spurs, 2014).

In addition to his coaching experience in the NBA, Udoka was also an assistant coach for Gregg Popovich and the USA Basketball Men’s National Team in 2018.

“It’s an honor to be a part of the historic Celtics franchise. Coaching this talented roster and working alongside Brad makes it an ideal situation,” said Udoka. “I’d like to thank Wyc, Steve, and Brad for entrusting me with this opportunity. I look forward to getting started right away.”

Udoka played 12 years of professional basketball, including seven seasons in the NBA from 2003-04 to 2010-11. He averaged 5.2 points on 41.7% shooting (35.6% 3-PT), 2.9 rebounds, 1.0 assist and 18.1 minutes in 316 career games with San Antonio, Portland, Sacramento, New York, and the Los Angeles Lakers. Udoka also represented Nigeria in international competition throughout his playing career, earning bronze medals in 2005 and 2011 at the African Championships.

“Ime stands out as a person of integrity, accomplishment, energy, and insight,” said Celtics Co-Owner and Governor Wyc Grousbeck. “He has worked with some of the best and is ready to take the next step forward. I look forward to having him as our head coach.”

“Ime’s passion for basketball and coaching is extraordinary,” said Celtics Co-Owner and Alternate Governor Steve Pagliuca. “He is respected by players and coaches throughout the league for his empathy, humility, and deep knowledge of the game. We are thrilled that he will be coming to Boston to lead our team.”

A native of Portland, OR, Udoka, 43, began his collegiate career at Utah State University Eastern (1995-97) before transferring to the University of San Francisco (1997-98) and finishing up at Portland State (1999-00).

Celtics set to announce their new head coach

Here’s the Boston Herald on the next head coach of the Boston Celtics:

The Celtics will introduce Ime Udoka on Monday as the 18th head coach in franchise history — thus far they’ve had one coach for every title — and perhaps the former Brooklyn assistant’s greatest initial advantage is one of familiarity.

Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown and Marcus Smart, who were all reportedly consulted on the choice by Brad Stevens, got to know Udoka during the 2019 World Cup, where the 43-year-old coach served on the support staff of his former mentor, Gregg Popovich.

It’s hardly a coincidence that Udoka emerged from his time as a Spur, including twice as a player and then an assistant coach, with a reputation for defensive strategy.

When the Nets confounded the Celtics in this year’s first round by blanketing Tatum with a defensive swarm while also cutting off his passing lanes, Udoka was the architect. Even the Nets’ staunchest supporters reasoned that the star-studded roster was good enough scoring the ball that playing defense would be a minor consideration on the way to the title.

Nets add Mike D’Antoni, Amar’e Stoudemire and Ime Udoka to coaching staff

The Brooklyn Nets announced today the hiring of Mike D’Antoni and Ime Udoka as assistant coaches and Amar’e Stoudemire as a player development assistant. They join assistant coach Jacque Vaughn, assistant coach/director of player development Adam Harrington, assistant coach Jordan Ott, assistant coach/player development Tiago Splitter and player development coordinator Ryan Forehan-Kelly on Head Coach Steve Nash’s staff.

“We’ve assembled an experienced staff of high-character individuals with varied backgrounds, both on and off the court, that will help create a solid foundation for me and our players,” said Nash. “When I set out to build this staff, I wanted to put together a committed group that would connect with our players and help put them in the best position to succeed as a team. With coaching and playing experience at the highest level and a deep background in player development, I’m confident that we’ve put the right people in place to lead us forward.”

D’Antoni has amassed a record of 672-527 (.560 winning percentage) across 16 seasons as a head coach with Denver (1998-99), Phoenix (2003-08), New York (2008-12), L.A. Lakers (2012-14) and Houston (2016-20). He is one of just nine coaches in NBA history to be named Coach of the Year multiple times, earning his first award in 2005 after leading Phoenix to a franchise-record-tying 62 wins, and securing his second Coach of the Year honor in 2017 with Houston. D’Antoni has led his teams to the playoffs 10 times, including three trips to the Western Conference Finals (2005 and 2006 with Phoenix and 2018 with Houston). He also previously served as an assistant coach with Denver (1997-98), Portland (2000-01) and Phoenix (2002-03), as well as associate head coach with Philadelphia (2015-16).

A native of Mullens, W.Va., D’Antoni was selected with the 20th overall pick in the second round of the 1973 NBA Draft by the Kansas City-Omaha Kings. He spent time with Kansas City-Omaha (1973-75) and San Antonio (1976-77) in the NBA and the Spirits of St. Louis (1975-76) in the ABA before embarking on a 13-year career (1977-90) with Olimpia Milano in Lega Basket Serie A in Italy. A dual citizen of the U.S. and Italy, D’Antoni captured five league championships, two EuroLeague titles and was named one of the 50 Greatest Contributors in EuroLeague history in 2008. D’Antoni also began his coaching career in Italy, leading Olimpia Milano for four seasons (1990-94) and Benetton Basket for three seasons (1994-97) before being hired by the Nuggets as an assistant coach.

Udoka joins the Nets after serving as an assistant coach with the Philadelphia 76ers during the 2019-20 season. Prior to working in Philadelphia, Udoka spent the first seven seasons (2012-19) of his coaching career as an assistant coach with the San Antonio Spurs, helping lead San Antonio to the 2014 NBA Championship. Udoka has been a part of coaching staffs that have made playoff appearances in each of his eight seasons on the sideline.

Prior to beginning his coaching career, the Portland, Ore., native played professionally for 12 years (2000-12) in the NBA, NBA G League, International Basketball Association and United States Basketball League, as well as with teams in France and Spain. He appeared in 316 NBA games across parts of seven seasons with the L.A. Lakers (2004), New York (2006), Portland (2006-07), San Antonio (2007-09 and 2010-11) and Sacramento (2009-10), recording averages of 5.2 points, 2.9 rebounds and 1.0 assists in 18.1 minutes per game. Udoka was named the NBA G League’s Jason Collier Sportsmanship Award winner in 2006, while also earning All-NBA G League First Team honors in the same season. He also represented Nigeria in international competition, earning bronze medals in 2005 and 2011 at the African Championships. Udoka began his collegiate career at Utah State University Eastern (1995-97) and spent a year (1997-98) at the University of San Francisco before finishing at Portland State (1999-00).

Stoudemire begins his coaching career after concluding a decorated 18-year playing career, including 14 NBA seasons (2002-16). In 846 career NBA games (696 starts) with Phoenix (2002-10), New York (2010-15), Dallas (2015) and Miami (2015-16), Stoudemire recorded averages of 18.9 points, 7.8 rebounds, 1.2 assists and 1.2 blocks in 31.0 minutes per game. He was a six-time All-Star (2005, 2007-11), five-time All-NBA selection and earned Rookie of the Year honors in 2003. Stoudemire also helped lead his teams to 10 playoff appearances, including two trips to the Western Conference Finals with the Suns (2005 and 2010), and registered career playoff averages of 18.7 points, 7.4 rebounds and 1.3 blocks in 30.7 minutes per contest across 78 games (62 starts).

After his final NBA season in Miami, Stoudemire finished his playing career in Israel and China, earning two Israeli League championships with Hapoel Jerusalem (2017) and Maccabi Tel Aviv (2020). The Lake Wales, Fla., native began his professional career after being selected by Phoenix with the ninth overall pick in the first round of the 2002 NBA Draft out of Cypress Creek High School in Orlando, Fla.

Vaughn is in his fifth season as an assistant coach with the Nets. During the 2019-20 season, Vaughn also served as the team’s head coach for a 10-game stint, compiling a 7-3 regular season record and guiding the Nets through their first-round playoff series against the Toronto Raptors. He previously spent two-plus seasons (2012-15) as head coach of the Orlando Magic and was an assistant coach for two seasons (2010-12) and a pro scout for one season (2015-16) with the San Antonio Spurs.

Prior to beginning his coaching career, the Los Angeles native enjoyed a 12-year playing career in the NBA after being selected with the 27th overall pick in the first round of the 1997 NBA Draft by the Utah Jazz. In 776 career games with the Jazz (1997-2001), Hawks (2001-02, 2003-04), Magic (2002-03), Nets (2004-06) and Spurs (2006-09), Vaughn recorded averages of 4.5 points and 2.5 assists in 16.3 minutes per game. The Kansas graduate made nine playoff appearances in his 12 NBA seasons and was a member of the 2007 NBA champion Spurs.

Harrington begins his fifth season with the Nets as assistant coach and director of player development. Prior to beginning his coaching career in Brooklyn, Harrington served as a shooting coach with the Oklahoma City Thunder during the 2014-15 season.

The Bernardston, Mass., native played professionally for eight years (2002-10), including spending time with the Dallas Mavericks and Denver Nuggets in the 2002-03 season. Harrington also played for teams in the NBA G League, China, Croatia, France, Germany, Israel and Poland. Before embarking on his professional career, Harrington played collegiately at North Carolina State (1998-99) and Auburn (2000-02).

Ott enters his fifth season as an assistant coach in Brooklyn. Previously, he spent three seasons (2013-16) as the video coordinator for the Atlanta Hawks. Prior to joining the Hawks, Ott served in the same capacity with the Michigan State men’s basketball program for five seasons (2008-13) under Hall of Fame head coach Tom Izzo.

Ott received his bachelor’s degree in sports management from Penn State in 2006 while serving as a student manager with the men’s basketball program and earned his master’s degree in athletic administration from Michigan State in 2008. The McConnelsburg, Pa., native also served as an assistant coach with the Dominican Republic national team in the 2015 FIBA Americas Championship in Mexico City.

Splitter begins his second season as assistant coach/player development and his third season overall with the Nets after serving as a pro scout with added responsibilities related to on-court development in the 2018-19 season.

A seven-year NBA veteran, Splitter joined the San Antonio Spurs for the 2010-11 season after being drafted by the franchise with the 28th overall pick in the first round of the 2007 NBA Draft. The native of Brazil played five seasons in San Antonio, helping the Spurs win an NBA championship in 2014, before completing the final two seasons of his NBA career in Atlanta (2015-16) and Philadelphia (2016-17). Splitter embarked on an 11-year international career in 1999 and played mostly in Spain for Baskonia. He helped lead the team to numerous titles while earning All-EuroLeague honors on three occasions. As a member of the Brazilian national team, Splitter won gold medals in the FIBA AmeriCup, the Pan American Games and the South American Championships.

Forehan-Kelly enters his fifth season with the Nets and his second as the team’s player development coordinator. Forehan-Kelly previously served in a variety of roles within the organization, including associate head coach of the Long Island Nets (2018-19), assistant coach with Long Island (2017-18) and video seasonal assistant with Brooklyn (2016-17).

Prior to joining the Nets, Forehan-Kelly played professionally for 13 years on teams in Japan, Venezuela, China, France and Italy, along with playing two seasons (2008-10) in the NBA G League with the Los Angeles D-Fenders, now the South Bay Lakers. The Long Beach, Calif., native played four years (1998-2002) at the University of California, Berkeley.