The Boston Celtics have suspended head coach Ime Udoka for the 2022/23 season after breaking internal rules.
According to The Athletic’s Jared Weiss, the expectation behind the scenes is that Udoka will not return to the post any more.
“The current consensus is that Ime does not return. They believe that the suspension, in short, was more of a bureaucratic issue to avoid a certain legal process or something like that.” Weiss said.
“I don’t think he’s fired yet, but there’s a discussion going on. And finally, it is unlikely to go there.” Weiss added.
The Celtics has already given signs, in fact, that the situation may not be resolved. In the announcement of the suspension, the official note pointed out that the permanence of the coach would be discussed later.
According to reports, assistant coach Joe Mazzulla will take over as interim coach. Meanwhile Jay Larranaga of the Los Angeles Clippers have reportedly already been scouted.
Udoka was removed as head coach of the Celtics because of a break of the team’s internal rules. He had an affair with an employee of the organisation and thus broke a rule of relationships in the workplace.
“I am sorry for putting the team in this difficult situation, and I accept the team’s decision. Out of respect for everyone involved, I will have no further comment.” Udoka said.
A few sources confirmed that the coach made rude comments about and to the woman backstage. The scenario then motivated the team to launch a formal investigation.
Udoka led Boston to a 51-31 record last season, going 26-6 in the final 32 games. The Celtics beat Brooklyn, Milwaukee and Miami on the way to the NBA finals, where they lost to the Golden State Warriors in six games.
