Written By Ime Udoka’s journey to become the head coach of the Boston Celtics is one of perseverance and second chances. After a nine-year NBA playing career that included stints with six different teams, Udoka transitioned to coaching, starting as an assistant with the San Antonio Spurs in 2012. He quickly became known for his ability to connect with players and his defensive expertise, and eventually landed his first head coaching job with the Philadelphia 76ers’ G League affiliate in 2019.
Udoka’s success in the G League caught the attention of the Brooklyn Nets, who hired him as an assistant coach in 2019. He spent just one season in Brooklyn before being hired as an assistant with the Celtics for the 2020-21 season. But it wasn’t until the Celtics’ head coaching job became available this offseason that Udoka’s name started to gain serious consideration.
Udoka’s hiring by the Celtics is significant in a number of ways. For one, he becomes just the third Black head coach in franchise history, following in the footsteps of Bill Russell and Doc Rivers. But Udoka’s hiring also represents a broader trend in the NBA, as teams are finally starting to recognize the value of hiring coaches who can connect with players and foster a positive culture.
It’s a trend that Udoka himself has played a major role in, as he’s been widely regarded as one of the NBA’s top assistant coaches in recent years. And while he’s certainly earned his chance to lead a team, Udoka’s story is also one of second chances and overcoming adversity.
Born in Portland, Oregon to a Nigerian father and American mother, Udoka grew up playing basketball and football. He eventually chose basketball, playing for four years at the University of San Francisco before going undrafted in the 2000 NBA Draft.
Udoka spent the next several years bouncing around the minor leagues and overseas, trying to prove himself as a professional basketball player. It wasn’t until 2003 that he finally made his NBA debut with the Los Angeles Lakers, but his stint in LA was short-lived.
Over the next several years, Udoka played for a number of teams, including the Knicks, Trail Blazers, Spurs, and Kings. He was a role player for most of his career, known primarily for his defense and toughness. But despite his limited role on the court, Udoka was always respected by his teammates and coaches for his work ethic and professionalism.
After retiring in 2011, Udoka quickly transitioned to coaching, landing an assistant job with the Spurs in 2012. He spent seven seasons in San Antonio, helping the team win the 2014 NBA championship and earning a reputation as one of the NBA’s top assistant coaches.
But Udoka’s path to a head coaching job wasn’t always smooth. He interviewed for several head coaching positions over the years, but was passed over time and time again. It wasn’t until 2019 that he finally got his chance, when he was hired to lead the Sixers’ G League affiliate, the Delaware Blue Coats.
Udoka’s success with the Blue Coats was immediate, as he led the team to a 26-24 record and a playoff berth in his first season. His work in the G League caught the attention of the Nets, who hired him as an assistant coach for the 2019-20 season.
In Brooklyn, Udoka quickly made an impression on the team’s players and coaches. He was credited with helping to improve the team’s defense, and was widely regarded as one of the league’s top assistants.
But despite his success in Brooklyn, Udoka remained a relative unknown outside of NBA circles. It wasn’t until the Celtics’ head coaching job became available this offseason that his name started to gain serious.
