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The Boston Celtics held a press conference on Monday to officially introduce Ime Udoka as the new head coach. Although he was not at the top of the prospect list when the search started, he managed to tick the most boxes regarding what the franchise wants in a head coach.
Brad Stevens is changing the outlook of the Boston Celtics, not only with the unexpected hire but also with the Kemba Walker trade to the OKC Thunder. Stevens is still in the early stages of his role as president of basketball operations after his promotion from head coach. However, the fans seem to be satisfied with the decisions he has made so far.
Ime Udoka is excited to begin his career as the Boston Celtics' head coach, stating that this is the ideal situation he has longed for. He is already looking forward to free agency and how he will try to create the right balance of veterans and young talent on the roster.
Although it will be his first run as head coach, Ime Udoka is expected to hit the ground running as the Boston Celtics will undoubtedly be interested in winning their 18th NBA Finals. Perhaps 18 will be the charm, as Udoka is the 18th head coach in franchise history.
#1 Previous relationships with the Boston Celtics' stars
Bringing in an individual that had a relationship with the franchise's stars, Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, was important for the Boston Celtics. While ingenuity was Udoka's most attractive quality, his relationship with the stars played a role.
Udoka served as an assistant coach to Gregg Popovich for team USA in the 2019 FIBA World Cup. His time with the team left an impression on Tatum, Brown, and Marcus Smart, who were part of the team. With the Kemba Walker trade that will facilitate the return of Al Horford, that will be another familiar face as both spent some time together with the Philadelphia 76ers.
The Boston Celtics' players also wasted no time expressing their support after they heard he was interviewing for the job. Reports also suggest that the relationship played a role in his confirmation.
#2 Coaching experience gained learning under some of the NBA's greatest coaches like Gregg Popovich
Ime Udoka will bring a lot of experience to the Boston Celtics having been under the tutelage of Gregg Popovich for about seven years. He joined Gregg and the San Antonio Spurs in August 2012 and stayed with the team until the end of the 2018-19 season.
During his run with the Spurs, he helped the team clinch a championship after defeating the Miami Heat in the 2014 NBA Finals. That marked his first championship as a player and coach. The Boston Celtics will be hoping that he recreates that winning formula as soon as possible to lead the franchise to its 18th championship.
After leaving the team in 2019, he served as an assistant coach with Brett Brown and the Philadelphia 76ers for a year. His final run as an assistant coach came with the Brooklyn Nets during the 2020-21 season.
Udoka has been credited with the development of several NBA All-Stars like Kahwi Leonard and Joel Embiid. Other notable players he has coached include Tobias Harris, Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, Tony Parker and LaMarcus Aldridge. His experience working with superstars will make his job with the Boston Celtics a tad easier.
#3 Ime Udoka will be a refreshing change the Boston Celtics need
Brad Stevens has coached the Boston Celtics since 2013 and has failed to bring home a championship. While this is not to take away from Stevens being a great coach, it is an indication that perhaps the franchise needs a change in strategy.
Udoka's introduction will be a great boost to a young team that is already excited by what might be. Although he adopts the defense-first mentality like his predecessor, he demands a certain toughness on both ends of the court at all times.
All the former head coaches and players he has worked with since he started his coaching career speak highly of him and his method towards coaching. He is known to show tough love but only to bring out the best in the players. The Boston Celtics youngsters are fully aware of this new culture that will be introduced and have reportedly requested to be pushed by any means necessary.
Guess the Lakers players!
