3 Reasons why Boston Celtics' new Head Coach Ime Udoka is the right choice

Assistant coaches Becky Hammon, Ime Udoka, and head coach Gregg Popovich
Assistant coaches Becky Hammon, Ime Udoka, and head coach Gregg Popovich

#2 Coaching experience gained learning under some of the NBA's greatest coaches like Gregg Popovich

San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich
San Antonio Spurs head coach 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 of the Boston Celtic
Brad Stevens of the Boston Celtic

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.

Quick Links