Ime Udoka In Talks To Become Head Coach Of The Brooklyn Nets, Sources Say
Ime Udoka In Talks To Become Head Coach Of The Brooklyn Nets, Sources Say
It’s been a tough couple of months for NBA coach Ime Udoka, but it seems some things are turning around!
According to reports, the suspended basketball professional is currently working out a deal to become the next head coach for the Brooklyn Nets. The east coast team fired previous head coach Steve Nash earlier today (Nov. 1) after reportedly coaching two unsuccessful seasons.
Following news that Nash and the Nets parted ways, trusted ESPN journalist Adrian Wojnarowski revealed likely candidates for the job. The sports media personality tweeted:
“Jacque Vaughn is the acting head coach tonight but expect the Nets to inquire with suspended Celtics coach Ime Udoka, Quin Snyder, among others. Boston will let Udoka leave for another job.”
Shortly after, Wojnarowski updated that Udoka is said to be the most favorable of the bunch. He wrote:
“Suspended Celtics coach Ime Udoka has emerged as the likely next Brooklyn Nets head coach and his hiring could be finalized as soon as the next 24-to-48 hours, sources tell ESPN. Celtics will let him leave for another job.”
It seems the Boston Celtics don’t mind letting go of Udoka following his recent affair scandal. The 45-year-old basketball coach received a season-long suspension for having a relationship with one of his staffers. Though consensual, the relationship reportedly broke the Celtics’ code of conduct. It was reported that the woman is the wife of one of the Celtics’ senior executives.
Udoka also faced persecution in the media for cheating on his longtime girlfriend turned fiancée, beloved actress Nia Long. The pair have been dating since 2010 and share a 10-year-old son together. Following the cheating scandal, Long has been hesitant to speak on the matter publicly but did laugh when paparazzi asked about the chances of reconciliation. She also shared gratitude to everyone offering her words of support and encouragement during the difficult time.
Coach Udoka had major success during his time with the Celtics, reaching the NBA finals during his first year on the job. Now, with the chance to coach NBA superstars Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, and Ben Simmons, it seems the Brooklyn Nets are hoping he can recreate that finals energy. The team has been off to a rough start this season, losing 5 of their first 7 games.
Reportedly, Udoka and the Nets are negotiating his contract, which is expected to be finalized as early as tomorrow or late as next week.
Do you think Ime Udoka will do well with the Brooklyn Nets? Tell us in the comments!