Boston: Brad Stevens’ replacement will be Ime Udoka

The leaders of the Boston Celtics wereted no time. As Danny Ainge decided to step down as director of basketball for the New Orleans franchise, Brad Stevens agreed to take a step back from the field. Coach of the Celtics since 2013, the latter integrated the organization chart of the franchise but also left the coaching position vacant. But, according to information from the American channel ESPN, such a situation is not doomed to be prolonged with a candidate who would have already been selected, with an officialization which is expected for this Wednesday. Currently a member of the Brooklyn Nets coaching staff alongside Steve Nash, and after his name returned to succeed Stan Van Gundy at the New Orleans Pelicans, Ime Udoka should very quickly become the new coach of the Boston Celtics.

The Boston Celtics are finalizing an agreement to hire Brooklyn Nets assistant Ime Udoka as the franchise’s new coach, sources tell ESPN.

– Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 23, 2021

Executives validate Udoka’s choice

Assistant to Gregg Popovich for seven seasons at the San Antonio Spurs before joining the Philadelphia 76ers under Brett Brown in 2019, Ime Udoka was a pillar of the staff trained by Steve Nash upon his arrival on the Nets bench. at the start of the season. But, at 49, the prospect of getting a head coaching job for the first time in his career was obviously very tempting. Ime Udoka took the advantage over Darwin Ham, currently with the Milwaukee Bucks, and Chauncey Billups, in post with the Clippers. Both spoke with the leaders of the Celtics but it is the opinion of the players which seems to have made the difference. Indeed, some executives of the Boston franchise have warmly recommended Ime Udoka, including Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown and Marcus Smart, who rubbed shoulders with him during the last World Cup, the technician having integrated the staff by Gregg Popovich. After eight seasons, a change of coach could be a game-changer for the Celtics.