Woj: Ime Udoka Named Head Coach

[BigTrade92]

Honestly, as much as I bought into the Chauncey Billups hype train, the one year of coaching experience really gave me some concern.

Udoka, while he wasn't a NBA Champion player with the nickname Mr. Big Shot, certainly has the exact type of coaching experience and resume that you could ask for.

NOW GET BANNER 18 OR DIE TRYIN'

[FlatearthZorro]

Another year of Smart jacking up endless amounts of 3s.

And I'm sure every one he makes will be like a burning arrow in your heart.

At .325, I think the misses might be burning his heart more than the makes.

[Theocy]

Im just happy to hear he is backed up by the Js. This might also mean we’re not trading Brown so enough with the scenarios that leave us with a pair of socks and a hobbled PG who cant shoot

[playa-hater]

Smart doesn’t need to be reigned in btw, just needs a healthy team.

He’s proven that he shoots far less when we have a healthy team. How is him taking 2-3 bad shots a game worse than guys on the other end blowing defensive rotations double digit times a game?

Smart just shoots more when we are down guys, but that’s how everyone in the nba works.

Not disagreeing with Smart shoots "smarter" when everyone is healthy. But to say Smart never needs to be reigned in?? I am guessing, but not sure, that you might be in the minority with that opinion.

My final M Smart stance is, keeping Smart or trading Smart (for a good deal) I am OK with. We have "Bigger/other fish to fry"

[MaxwellSmart]

OMG.....Nia Long is so hot...add her to Al's sister....we good.

[The Corey's]

Did I mention how fire this hire is?

[GoCeltics123]

LOVE it. Very excited. He's who the Jays wanted too

[Half-Full]

Pleased with the selection. Since the season ended, all the news has been good. What next?

[cloverleaf]

Smart doesn’t need to be reigned in btw, just needs a healthy team.

You nailed it dawg.

Except on a different team.

Ha ha.

[tlee324]

Read on Twitter

That must've been an awkward discussion lol

"So uhhh guys... do you, umm... like him better than me???"

[tlee324]

Im just happy to hear he is backed up by the Js. This might also mean we’re not trading Brown so enough with the scenarios that leave us with a pair of socks and a hobbled PG who cant shoot

It was great that Brad was inclusive with the players on it too.

[cloverleaf]

Ainge Retires.
Stevens replaces him, leaving Coaching.
Celtics Trade Kemba, for Horford and others.
Celtics Hire Udoka, as next Head Coach.


And the Finals ain't even started yet!!!

That's what there's time for when you're flushed in the 1st round.

[Parliament10]

Wikipedia didn't waste much time.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ime_Udoka

Career

Udoka, a small forward, attended Portland's Jefferson High School, and the University of San Francisco, before transferring to Portland State University where he starred for the Vikings. He started his professional basketball career by playing in the NBDL with the Charleston Lowgators who drafted him with 39th overall pick in 2002 NBDL Draft.[1] He was called up to play with the Los Angeles Lakers on January 14, 2004, but was later waived. After a stint in Europe, he returned to the states and once again drafted in NBDL. This time he was drafted 3rd overall by Fort Worth Flyers in 2005 NBDL Draft.[2] He averaged 17.1 points and 6.2 rebounds per game with the Flyers.[3] On April 6, 2006, Udoka was signed by the New York Knicks. Udoka was waived by the Knicks on September 11, 2006....

In August 2012, Udoka joined the San Antonio Spurs as an assistant coach. Udoka would win his first championship after the Spurs defeated the Miami Heat in the 2014 NBA Finals 4–1.[16]

Udoka was also the key for LaMarcus Aldridge's decision to join the Spurs in 2015. Both Udoka and Aldridge played together with the Trail Blazers during Aldridge's rookie season.[17]

In June 2019, Udoka was hired as an assistant coach of the Philadelphia 76ers.[18]

On October 30, 2020, the Brooklyn Nets hired Udoka as an assistant coach.[19]

On June 23, 2021 the Boston Celtics hired Udoka as Head Coach.[20]



Personal Life

Udoka's father, who is of Akwa Ibom descent, was born in Nigeria,[4] which qualified him for Nigerian citizenship. He was a member of the Nigerian national team, for whom he played at the 2006 FIBA World Championships. His older sister Mfon used to play in the WNBA. His mother, who died in late 2011, was an American from Illinois.[21]

In November 2011, Udoka's then-girlfriend, Nia Long gave birth to their first child, Kez Sunday Udoka.[22] The couple became engaged in May 2015.[23]

[playa-hater]

For the record, there isn't anyone on here, I don't think, disliked Coach Brad Stevens more than me. But GM/President Brad Stevens is getting a A to A+ from me so far. Still early in the process, and it is hard to know/predict if better moves may have been available. But getting good shet done on a timely basis and showing a "good sense of Urgency" (though not rushing it) gives me a confident feeling again. (though I have been fooled before)

If Stevens can hit on a draft pick and a minor trade or FA, then this will be the first good summer in a long while IMO.

So officially it's Brad Stevens

[BleedGreen1989]

When's the presser?!

[ParticleMan]

Ime! Ime!
I'm just glad we got the guy we wanted. Would have been super embarrassing to screw around and watch him go somewhere else when the Jays/Smart wanted him.
I'm thinking we're probably keeping Smart now. Just hoping Udoka can get him to accept his role. Udoka should know a thing or two about that.
and yeah, Brad killing it so far.

[Andrew McCeltic]

For the record, there isn't anyone on here, I don't think, disliked Coach Brad Stevens more than me. But GM/President Brad Stevens is getting a A to A+ from me so far. Still early in the process, and it is hard to know/predict if better moves may have been available. But getting good shet done on a timely basis and showing a "good sense of Urgency" (though not rushing it) gives me a confident feeling again. (though I have been fooled before)

If Stevens can hit on a draft pick and a minor trade or FA, then this will be the first good summer in a long while IMO.

So officially it's Brad Stevens

Two obvious moves, yeah, but both good

[ThumbsUpBaby]

I'm loving this hire, and the players most definitely love him. You know they'll give the extra effort compared to this season. Can't wait to see what he has in store as a coach.

[djFan71]

Ainge Retires.
Stevens replaces him, leaving Coaching.
Celtics Trade Kemba, for Horford and others.
Celtics Hire Udoka, as next Head Coach.


And the Finals ain't even started yet!!!

And some act like barely anything has happened this offseason.

Seriously. Start making some moves already!!!!!

[BleedGreen1989]

Watch on YouTube

Describes what he'll be like once he gets an opportunity to be a head coach (3:25 mark)

Playing together, caring for each other, unselfishness, tough/physical/hard-nosed, "everybody knows coming in that night it's gonna be a battle"