Ime Udokahas made his departure from the Boston Celtics official. For over eight months, people have been debating whether or not the Nigerian-American coach was worthy enough of a job with the Celtics. Whatever conspired between both parties was nothing less of a tragedy. However, it seems like Udoka is ready for a new beginning and is willing to build from the ground up.
Popular NBA Insider,Adrian Wojnarowskirevealed that Ime Udoka agreed to sign with theHouston Rocketsas their head coach. There were several other teams also willing to give him a chance such as the Brooklyn Nets and Toronto Raptors. Ime had spent eight months in suspension after getting caught for having an improper relationship with a fellow female staffer.
ESPN Sources: Ime Udoka has agreed to a deal to become the next Houston Rockets coach. pic.twitter.com/xhcDRDfnNJ
Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) April 24, 2023
Joe Mazzulla was appointed as the Celtics interim head coach. But it seems as though the Celtics are thriving even without Udoka s guidance. Mazzulla will most likely take over the position. During the regular season, the Celtics finished as the second seed in the Eastern Conference with a record of 57 wins and 25 losses. Boston is expected to make a deep playoff run or potentially win the title itself.
Why was Ime Udoka suspended and later released by the Boston Celtics?
In September 2022, Ime Udoka was caught having an affair with the Celtics bookings manager. The female suspected is Kathleen Nimmo Lynch, who is in charge of travel, lodging, and tickets for family members of the team and franchise. They were in an improper relationship that violated the Celtics codes of conduct. However, Ime claimed that the relationship was consensual and romantic.
The Celtics decided to suspend Ime Udoka and eventually fired him from his post in February 2023. Udoka returned to the market and finally agreed to a deal with the Rockets. Fans have given mixed reviews on the signing. One of them said,Great hire. Everyone deserves a second chance.Another fan was against it saying,Rockets fans, leave your wives at home, and go enjoy a game.Here are a few reactions.
Great hire . Everyone deserves a second chance
SLIME (@KontackCEO) April 24, 2023
Rockets fans, leave your wives at home, and go enjoy a game.
Johnny Quarantine (@ADeeHD) April 24, 2023
I m glad Udoka finally gets to work with a class organization
Erling (48G 6A) (@DeschanelJooey) April 24, 2023
Husbands in Houston right now: pic.twitter.com/IjHbAnG4zV
RAS Reloaded (@BaltimoreRAS) April 24, 2023
@NiaLong just go ahead and move on
MARTY (@Marty_1230) April 24, 2023
Udoka will start fresh next season with the Rockets. Several people are starting to speculate that former Rockets MVPJames Hardenmay return because of Ime s arrival. Some claim thatJaylen Brownwill also shift his talents to Houston. However, both players haven t shown any interest in leaving their current teams.