Report: Celtics considering possible suspension for Udoka
ESPN is reporting Celtics head coach Ime Udoka may be facing possible disciplinary action from the team for unspecified violations of team rules. (AP photo)
The Boston Celtics are reportedly in discussions with head coach Ime Udoka about a possible suspension, ESPN reported late Wednesday night.
Udoka, according to a tweet from ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, is facing “possible disciplinary action — including a significant suspension — for an unspecified violation of organizational guidelines. Discussions are ongoing within the Celtics on a final determination.”
Reportedly, according to ESPN, the possible violations are a team matter, and not the NBA’s issue. The Athletic’s Shams Charania reported early this morning that according to sources Udoka had “an improper intimate and consensual relationship with a female member of the team staff” and that situation was “deemed to be a violation of the franchise’s code of conduct.”
Udoka guided the Celtics to the NBA Finals in his first season as a head coach in the NBA. Reports do say, however, that his job is not believed to be in jeopardy. But, ESPN has also reported that it’s possible Udoka could be suspended for the entire 2022-23 season.
Udoka had the Celtics, after a 51-31 regular season, up 2-1 in the NBA Finals vs. Golden State before the Warriors ripped off three straight wins to capture the title. Boston beat the Nets — Udoka’s former team as an assistant — Milwaukee, and Miami en route to the Finals.
Reportedly, if Udoka is suspended for any length of time, Celtics assistant Joe Mazzulla would be a leading candidate to take over until his return.
The Celtics are ready to start training camp next week with the team’s annual Media Day on Monday.
