Rockets, Raptors Interested in ex-Celtics Coach Ime Udoka?

March 26, 2023

The Rockets and Raptors could have interest in former Celtics coach Ime Udoka after the season, per Steve Bulpett of Heavy Sports.

Udoka, of course, was suspended by the Celtics before the season for an inappropriate relationship with a female employee. He is no longer with the organization, Hoops Wire has learned.

Meanwhile, the Raptors could potentially move on from coach Nick Nurse — and it may actually be considered a surprise if coach Stephen Silas is back with the Rockets next season.

Spurs coach Gregg Popovich is among those hoping Udoka gets a second chance in the NBA. Udoka was a longtime Spurs assistant before landing the Celtics gig before the start of last season (he also was an assistant with the 76ers and Nets).

“Ime was and is and always will be a great friend, and so you can imagine that I was deeply disappointed and hurt for him, for everybody involved,” Popovich said, via Bulpett. “It’s a difficult situation for him, and my hope is that he will bounce back and find a home.”

Udoka coached the Celtics o a 51-31 record and a berth in the Finals in his lone season. Boston has since name Joe Mazzulla full-time coach and signed him to a multiyear contract.