Ime Udoka will not be on the Boston Celtics bench next season. The team has suspended the coach for the entire 2022-23 season. Joe Mazzulla, his assistant, will be the interim coach.
Udoka was suspended for his relationship with a female member of the staff. The relationship was discovered by the female staffer's husband, according to Kevin Frazier of Entertainment Tonight.
According to Frazier, the female staffer is married, which makes the situation more complicated for Udoka and the Celtics.
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The husband overheard their conversation on a home doorbell camera. A previous report claimed the affair had been occurring for a couple of months.
The situation is difficult for everyone involved, including the Celtics. Some reports claim that the relationship between Ime Udoka and the female staffer was not consensual. This situation would likely lead to disciplinary action by the league and possibly criminal charges.
What's next for the Celtics and Ime Udoka?
Ime Udoka had significant success with the Boston Celtics in his first season. He turned them into one of the best teams in the entire league, reaching the NBA Finals.
His recent workplace affair will negatively affect his reputation and career.
Having a relationship with a subordinate is unacceptable. Ime Udoka is likely aware of that policy. Furthermore, Udoka is engaged to Nia Long, an actress with whom he has a child.
The Boston Celtics, meanwhile, will look to have another deep playoff run next season after their disappointing finals loss to the Golden State Warriors.
The Celtics signed Malcolm Brogdon in the offseason. Brogdon is an upgrade for the team. However, Danilo Gallinari and Robert Williams III have injury problems and will be sidelined for an extended period.
The Celtics will also be without their coach. Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown are both incredible players, but it will be interesting to see how they perform without Udoka.
Despite all their issues, the Celtics remain one of the favorites to beat the rest of the conference.
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