Woj: Ime Udoka Named Head Coach

[Afam]

Happy to see Ime Udoka as the Celtics coach. A fellow Nigerian.

[Afam]

Very Good

[GoCeltics123]

Read on Twitter

League sources said that Stevens had numerous conversations with Brooklyn Nets assistant coach Ime Udoka. On Sunday, sources said, a Celtics contingent that included Stevens, team owners Wyc Grousbeck and Steve Pagliuca, and vice president of player development Allison Feaster, conducted the final interview with Udoka in a meeting room in New York.

Udoka, a longtime NBA assistant, impressed the Celtics with his knowledge of the game, his attention to detail, and his passion to win. And on Wednesday, league sources said, he was hired as the Celtics’ next head coach.

A league source said that Udoka was intrigued by the opportunity to work for Stevens, who developed a reputation as one of the game’s brightest minds during his eight-year run as Boston’s coach, in part because Stevens would understand Udoka’s role as well as anyone. Also, Udoka was excited about the chance to guide a roster that included two young All-Stars in Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown.

Brown, Tatum and Marcus Smart played for Team USA in the 2019 FIBA World Cup, and Udoka was an assistant coach for that team. Sources said Celtics players, particularly Tatum and Brown, were consulted about this hire, and that they were pleased with the decision.

Stevens said last week that he has spoken to Ainge frequently since assuming his post, and Ainge, who was Boston’s president of basketball operations for 18 years, was asked for his input on this hire, too, sources said.

As the Celtics contacted people around the NBA to learn more about Udoka, sources said, the reviews were consistently glowing. He is known for his work ethic, and the Celtics are hopeful that as a former player he will be able to relate to this young team. One source said that during Udoka’s previous stops as an assistant, he would often go out to dinner with players to find out more about them.

Udoka, 43, spent seven years as an assistant coach under Gregg Popovich in San Antonio before joining the 76ers’ staff in the 2019-20 season in place of Monty Williams, who left to coach the Suns. This year Udoka was hired as an assistant under Brooklyn coach Steve Nash. A league source said this pedigree, particularly the extensive experience working with Popovich, was viewed as a major benefit.

[MagicBagley18]

He ran the Sixers defense last year and it was ass. Hopefully he figured things out with that.

Sent from my SM-G998B using Tapatalk

Stats say that’s a lie but at least you shot your shot-more than Ben Simmons could ever say

[eyeatoma]

He ran the Sixers defense last year and it was ass. Hopefully he figured things out with that.

Sent from my SM-G998B using Tapatalk

Stats say that’s a lie but at least you shot your shot-more than Ben Simmons could ever say

Okay, sure a sixers fan is saying the sixers defense was bad two years ago. I wonder who would know more about that. You or me.

[itrsteve]

Over the f*ing moon on this one. It's clear Brad's direction is with Jaylen and Jayson, he pulled somebody with a great resume but also somebody they respect.

I'm not sure what else you can ask for.

[cloverleaf]

Read on Twitter

League sources said that Stevens had numerous conversations with Brooklyn Nets assistant coach Ime Udoka. On Sunday, sources said, a Celtics contingent that included Stevens, team owners Wyc Grousbeck and Steve Pagliuca, and vice president of player development Allison Feaster, conducted the final interview with Udoka in a meeting room in New York.

Udoka, a longtime NBA assistant, impressed the Celtics with his knowledge of the game, his attention to detail, and his passion to win. And on Wednesday, league sources said, he was hired as the Celtics’ next head coach.

A league source said that Udoka was intrigued by the opportunity to work for Stevens, who developed a reputation as one of the game’s brightest minds during his eight-year run as Boston’s coach, in part because Stevens would understand Udoka’s role as well as anyone. Also, Udoka was excited about the chance to guide a roster that included two young All-Stars in Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown.

Brown, Tatum and Marcus Smart played for Team USA in the 2019 FIBA World Cup, and Udoka was an assistant coach for that team. Sources said Celtics players, particularly Tatum and Brown, were consulted about this hire, and that they were pleased with the decision.

Stevens said last week that he has spoken to Ainge frequently since assuming his post, and Ainge, who was Boston’s president of basketball operations for 18 years, was asked for his input on this hire, too, sources said.

As the Celtics contacted people around the NBA to learn more about Udoka, sources said, the reviews were consistently glowing. He is known for his work ethic, and the Celtics are hopeful that as a former player he will be able to relate to this young team. One source said that during Udoka’s previous stops as an assistant, he would often go out to dinner with players to find out more about them.

Udoka, 43, spent seven years as an assistant coach under Gregg Popovich in San Antonio before joining the 76ers’ staff in the 2019-20 season in place of Monty Williams, who left to coach the Suns. This year Udoka was hired as an assistant under Brooklyn coach Steve Nash. A league source said this pedigree, particularly the extensive experience working with Popovich, was viewed as a major benefit.

IIRC in his last Toucher & Rich interview, Danny really pitched hiring a retread (that is, experienced) NBA coach for this opening, though in part while trying to squash the suggestion of Kara Lawson for the role.

But a relief that the Adam's source downplayed Smart being consulted on the same level as the Jays.

[Feed Your Head]

Putting this in spoiler tags, as it’s NSFW.

Spoiler:

“Ime has been just as we thought he would be,” Popovich said in 2013. “He’s a pro. He enjoys the discussions, the arguments about pick-and-roll and post defense and all that kind of junk. He understands what’s to be gained from watching and figuring things out that way. He’s at work all day, either in coaches’ meetings or watching or on the court, trying to get better at his craft.”

Popovich added: “The guys have reacted great to him. He has earned their respect, so much so that in his first year I put him in charge of 10 [opposing] teams. He is responsible for scouting reports for them, telling me what he thinks we should do against them. We talk about it, then he addresses the team [at shootaround], giving them the scouting report. He is doing the whole nine yards. He has been wonderful, he really has.”

Even then, in his first season as an assistant, Udoka had shown Popovich that he could be an NBA head coach some day.

“Absolutely,” Popovich said of that possible development. “Ime has the toughness and the mind to where he understands how to maintain discipline. A lot of coaches will give in and do what’s easy. He knows how to handle players. He has been able to stroke them and stay on them at the same time. That’s a really good quality. The players know he cares about them, but he can make demands and they respond to him. That’s important for a head coach. Players have great ‘BS antenna.’ If they think you don’t know what you’re doing, they’re going to call you out immediately.”


“He exudes a confidence and a comfort in his own skin where people just gravitate to him,” Popovich said in a 2015 ESPN story. “He’s a fundamentally sound teacher because he’s comfortable with himself, he knows the material and players read it. Often times, I’ll say, ‘Ime, can you go talk to so-and-so? Go talk to Patty Mills, go talk to Timmy [Duncan], go talk to Kawhi [Leonard].’ And he’ll do it better than I would do it — and I’m not blowing smoke.”

That experience and comfort talking to star players — something he experienced on the superteam Nets this past season — should obviously serve him well going forward.

Popovich, though, did fault Udoka in one specific area.

“The only thing I don’t like about him is that he doesn’t drink, so I can’t enjoy a glass of wine with him,” Popovich lamented. “He’s really boring at dinner.”

The Celtics are probably all right with that.

In 2018, Udoka said he shared some traits with Popovich.

“Overall my approach is similar to Pop, very demanding as well, but don’t get rattled on the outside,” Udoka said.

That being said, Udoka is wise enough to know that Popovich cannot be emulated.

“I would always emphasize in the meetings, ‘I learned a ton under Pop and been blessed to see what he does, but I’m not Pop. I’m my own person,'” Udoka said in 2019. “You have to stress that. The worst thing you can do is try to be somebody else and not be genuine with who you are. So, he’s always said that from Day 1. He said, ‘I brought you here to be yourself and be able to talk to guys and do what you do. They hear enough from me, so you got to be authentic in who you are.”

https://boston.cbslocal.com/2021/06/23/ime-udoka-earned-gregg-popovich-respect-hes-a-pro/

[Half-Full]

He absolutely needs to be reigned in. He plays like Steph Curry on offense but with half the talent. Just pass the ball to Tatum and Brown and take an occasional shot.

lmao this is so far off. he takes like 5 shots a game when the Celtics are healthy. Problem is they haven't been healthy in four years so he gets pushed from fourth option to second half the time.

So we're going to use the not healthy in ____ years excuse every year? Next year its going to be the Celtics haven't been healthy in 5 years so that's why Marcus jacks up 10 3s. Seriously should play him like Rondo. Just pass the ball and play D. Thats it.

I like him when hes locked in on defense but the fact he can't do any wrong with a certain sect of the board is odd. Dude takes bad shots consistently. I'm tired of the injury excuse with this team too. Maybe the pieces just don't fit.

You exaggerate the number of 3-point shots Marcus takes. His career average for 3-point shots is 4.7/game. The majority of the 3s he takes are when he has a good look, or when the clock is running down. He has good shooting games, and bad ones, like any player. His 3-point average last year was 33%, not especially good, but in the average range. That average dipped from the previous two years when he shot 36% and 35%. While he may take some ill advised shots, it is a common strategy to move the ball to find a player who is open for a three point shot. Coaches, including Brad Stevens, encourage players to take those open threes. While Marcus is not an elite shooter, he's good enough that he should take the shot when he gets a good look. For the most part, that is what Marcus does. Takes the three when he gets a good look. If he misses, it's not usually because he took a "bad shot," but just because he missed. An excellent 3-point shooter will can a shot 40% of the time. The other 60%? Misses. A miss is a miss, bad shot or not.

[threrf23]

He ran the Sixers defense last year and it was ass. Hopefully he figured things out with that.

Sent from my SM-G998B using Tapatalk

Stats say that’s a lie but at least you shot your shot-more than Ben Simmons could ever say

Okay, sure a sixers fan is saying the sixers defense was bad two years ago. I wonder who would know more about that. You or me.

Two years ago, it was the offseason, and Ime Udoka had just been hired by the Sixers.

One season ago, the Embiid/Horford/Harris front court wasn't exceptionally mobile, and besides Simmons, you guys were wholly dependent on Thybulle and Josh Richardson for wing defense.

[Tatumfor2]

[JDLAW]

The Celts had an excellent coach who is going to be an excellent GM. The new GM just made a great hire for the new coach who will be excellent. Congratulations from a Suns fan!

[chrisab123]

lmao this is so far off. he takes like 5 shots a game when the Celtics are healthy. Problem is they haven't been healthy in four years so he gets pushed from fourth option to second half the time.

So we're going to use the not healthy in ____ years excuse every year? Next year its going to be the Celtics haven't been healthy in 5 years so that's why Marcus jacks up 10 3s. Seriously should play him like Rondo. Just pass the ball and play D. Thats it.

I like him when hes locked in on defense but the fact he can't do any wrong with a certain sect of the board is odd. Dude takes bad shots consistently. I'm tired of the injury excuse with this team too. Maybe the pieces just don't fit.

You exaggerate the number of 3-point shots Marcus takes. His career average for 3-point shots is 4.7/game. The majority of the 3s he takes are when he has a good look, or when the clock is running down. He has good shooting games, and bad ones, like any player. His 3-point average last year was 33%, not especially good, but in the average range. That average dipped from the previous two years when he shot 36% and 35%. While he may take some ill advised shots, it is a common strategy to move the ball to find a player who is open for a three point shot. Coaches, including Brad Stevens, encourage players to take those open threes. While Marcus is not an elite shooter, he's good enough that he should take the shot when he gets a good look. For the most part, that is what Marcus does. Takes the three when he gets a good look. If he misses, it's not usually because he took a "bad shot," but just because he missed. An excellent 3-point shooter will can a shot 40% of the time. The other 60%? Misses. A miss is a miss, bad shot or not.

You're correct a miss is a miss. But Marcus takes it upon himself to try and hit those shots when he shouldn't shoot. Theres three types of fans on this board.

Marcus is the team leader and can do no wrong
Marcus has worn out his welcome and should be moved for other pieces
Marcus is a solid bench piece

I don't think anyone here is saying he sucks but those 4.7 threes a game is a lot for someone of his skill set. Imagine if he deferred even once per game instead of jacking up a headshaking 3? Could make a difference. I watched quite a few games where he took a 3 attempt and it was mind boggling. But yes hes a solid player to have but he probably should be dialed back to about 3 3 pt attempts a game. The rest of the time should be settling for quick bunnies and playing D. His D was significantly overrated last year too.

Hopefully Ime has a plan for him since it seems like management is going to bring the band back together except if Bruce Brown wants to join the fun.

[Parliament10]

Jay Williams, professional basketball analyst:

This is a Fake.
Try not to post this kind of stuff.

~ Parl

[Feed Your Head]

The Celts had an excellent coach who is going to be an excellent GM. The new GM just made a great hire for the new coach who will be excellent. Congratulations from a Suns fan!

Win the title.

[captain green]

Putting this in spoiler tags, as it’s NSFW.

Spoiler:

“Ime has been just as we thought he would be,” Popovich said in 2013. “He’s a pro. He enjoys the discussions, the arguments about pick-and-roll and post defense and all that kind of junk. He understands what’s to be gained from watching and figuring things out that way. He’s at work all day, either in coaches’ meetings or watching or on the court, trying to get better at his craft.”

Popovich added: “The guys have reacted great to him. He has earned their respect, so much so that in his first year I put him in charge of 10 [opposing] teams. He is responsible for scouting reports for them, telling me what he thinks we should do against them. We talk about it, then he addresses the team [at shootaround], giving them the scouting report. He is doing the whole nine yards. He has been wonderful, he really has.”

Even then, in his first season as an assistant, Udoka had shown Popovich that he could be an NBA head coach some day.

“Absolutely,” Popovich said of that possible development. “Ime has the toughness and the mind to where he understands how to maintain discipline. A lot of coaches will give in and do what’s easy. He knows how to handle players. He has been able to stroke them and stay on them at the same time. That’s a really good quality. The players know he cares about them, but he can make demands and they respond to him. That’s important for a head coach. Players have great ‘BS antenna.’ If they think you don’t know what you’re doing, they’re going to call you out immediately.”


“He exudes a confidence and a comfort in his own skin where people just gravitate to him,” Popovich said in a 2015 ESPN story. “He’s a fundamentally sound teacher because he’s comfortable with himself, he knows the material and players read it. Often times, I’ll say, ‘Ime, can you go talk to so-and-so? Go talk to Patty Mills, go talk to Timmy [Duncan], go talk to Kawhi [Leonard].’ And he’ll do it better than I would do it — and I’m not blowing smoke.”

That experience and comfort talking to star players — something he experienced on the superteam Nets this past season — should obviously serve him well going forward.

Popovich, though, did fault Udoka in one specific area.

“The only thing I don’t like about him is that he doesn’t drink, so I can’t enjoy a glass of wine with him,” Popovich lamented. “He’s really boring at dinner.”

The Celtics are probably all right with that.

In 2018, Udoka said he shared some traits with Popovich.

“Overall my approach is similar to Pop, very demanding as well, but don’t get rattled on the outside,” Udoka said.

That being said, Udoka is wise enough to know that Popovich cannot be emulated.

“I would always emphasize in the meetings, ‘I learned a ton under Pop and been blessed to see what he does, but I’m not Pop. I’m my own person,'” Udoka said in 2019. “You have to stress that. The worst thing you can do is try to be somebody else and not be genuine with who you are. So, he’s always said that from Day 1. He said, ‘I brought you here to be yourself and be able to talk to guys and do what you do. They hear enough from me, so you got to be authentic in who you are.”

https://boston.cbslocal.com/2021/06/23/ime-udoka-earned-gregg-popovich-respect-hes-a-pro/

Cool but I'll add I don't trust people that don't drink my robot/ alien/ or do gooder detector goes straight haywire. Reviews and respect goes along way until your revieled as a great assistant coach it's done now so I hope he as good as they say but I felt real legit studs were available rather than a risk reward pic.

[threrf23]

This is a Fake.
Try not to post this kind of stuff.

~ Parl

Not fake, apparently.

He's playing the "I was hacked" card.

Read on Twitter

[chrisab123]

Jay Williams, professional basketball analyst:

This is a Fake.
Try not to post this kind of stuff.

~ Parl

Apparently its not a fake but he was "hacked".

Doing the old Kurt Angle drunk/drugged out hacked twitter again.

[MagicBagley18]

[instagram][/instagram]

Very Good

**** yeah

[MagicBagley18]

He ran the Sixers defense last year and it was ass. Hopefully he figured things out with that.

Sent from my SM-G998B using Tapatalk

Stats say that’s a lie but at least you shot your shot-more than Ben Simmons could ever say

Okay, sure a sixers fan is saying the sixers defense was bad two years ago. I wonder who would know more about that. You or me.

I mean you also thought you guys were a contender this year so uhhhhh