The Boston Celtics are planning to self-discipline coach Ime Udoka, in all probability with a suspension, due to an improper relationship with a member of the group, two individuals with data of the matter advised the Related Press on Thursday.
The individuals spoke on situation of anonymity as a result of the reigning Jap Convention champions haven’t revealed any particulars publicly. The precise punishment, together with the size of the potential suspension, has not been decided, however ESPN reported that it might be handed out as quickly as Thursday.
ESPN first reported on Wednesday evening {that a} suspension was into consideration for a violation of the franchise’s code of conduct and that Udoka is “probably going through a suspension for your complete 2022-23 season”. The community and the Athletic later reported that the Celtics’ investigation revolves round whether or not Udoka had an inappropriate relationship with a member of the group. The Celtics are dealing with the scenario internally and Udoka is just not going through scrutiny from the league itself, per the ESPN report.
Dropping Udoka could be a major blow to a crew that’s extensively thought of among the many favorites to contend for an NBA title this season, after falling solely two video games in need of successful the championship final season in his debut yr.
The Celtics open coaching camp on Tuesday. If Udoka is just not allowed to guide the crew, the duty would virtually definitely fall to one in every of his assistants. A potential candidate, Joe Mazzulla, interviewed for the Utah Jazz teaching job this summer time, a place that in the end went to Will Hardy – who was Udoka’s assistant in Boston final season. Udoka’s different assistant coaches are Damon Stoudemire, Ben Sullivan, Aaron Miles and Tony Dobbins.
The ESPN report stated Mazzulla will occupy the interim position in Udoka’s absence.
Udoka had an excellent first season as coach of the Celtics, ending the common season at 51-31 – going 26-6 within the ultimate 32 video games – and main Boston previous Brooklyn, Milwaukee and Miami on the best way to the NBA finals. The Celtics misplaced the title collection to the Golden State Warriors in six video games.
Udoka beforehand served as an assistant coach for the San Antonio Spurs (2012-19), Philadelphia 76ers (2019-20) and Nets (2020-21) following a seven-year enjoying profession within the NBA.
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