Celtics finalizing deal to hire Ime Udoka as head coach

Ime Udoka talks to Nets forward Jeff Green. Steven Ryan/Getty Images

Celtics finalizing deal to hire Nets assistant Ime Udoka as new head coach

By Erin Walsh | Last updated 6/23/21

Ime Udoka is headed to Boston.

According to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, the Celtics are "finalizing an agreement" to hire the Brooklyn Nets assistant as their new head coach.

Stevens was believed to value Udoka's extensive experience as an assistant with Spurs, Sixers and Nets. Udoka had developed into a top head coaching candidate in this cycle, and seemed destined to get a job. He's getting one with the Celtics that includes two young All-Stars.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 23, 2021

Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown and Marcus Smart were the three players who worked with Udoka (and Gregg Popovich) at the 2019 World Cup.

Udoka served as an assistant for the San Antonio Spurs from 2012-19 and was also an assistant for the Philadelphia 76ers before joining the Nets this season.

As a player, Udoka suited up for the Los Angeles Lakers, New York Knicks, Portland Trail Blazers, San Antonio Spurs and Sacramento Kings. He also played for Nigeria in the 2006 FIBA World Championships.

The Celtics were in need of a new head coach after promoting Brad Stevens to president of basketball operations earlier this month to fill the void left by Danny Ainge.

More must-reads: