Ime Udoka simply defied expectations as a head coach for the Boston Celtics in the 2021-22 season. Having been an assistant coach for over nine years, Ime learned the ways of coaching a top-tier basketball franchise and the impact of creating a competitive environment within the team.
But before starting new beginnings as a coach in 2012, Ime played professional basketball for twelve years. Having played in the G League, the overseas, and the NBA, he understood aspects of team synergy and coordination that mirror the coach’s vision on the court and create positive morale within the squad.
Ime was an excellent role player who would contribute with necessary plays and leave the rest to the top players on the team. Shooting off the dribble, catch-and-shoot from mid-range, solid perimeter defense, and hustle plays were his most revered qualities as a player which made him respected by the other players and the coaching staff.
Therefore, it made sense when he decided to retire and focus on the coaching and management aspects of basketball.
How many teams has Ime Udoka coached?
Ime Udoka has served as a coach for the San Antonio Spurs, the Philadelphia 76ers, the Brooklyn Nets, and the Boston Celtics.
As Assistant Coach
As an assistant coach for the San Antonio Spurs, Ime learned many necessary qualities under the guidance of Greg Popovich. From 2012 to 2019, he helped the team under Popovich’s supervision to seven consecutive playoffs, two conference titles, and an NBA Championship in 2014.
In 2019, Ime was brought in as an assistant coach for the Philadelphia 76ers to work alongside head coach Brett Brown. Udoka and Brown were both part of the Spurs coaching staff in the 2012-13 season. Brown’s coaching helped the 76ers to consecutive Eastern Conference semis in 2018 and 2019 but failed to repeat the same in 2020.
As the 2020-21 season began, Udoka joined the Brooklyn Nets. In his only season with the team, the Nets came very close to reaching the conference finals as they fell 3-4 to the Milwaukee Bucks.
This was his last stint as an assistant coach before the Celtics approached him with a promoted job role which he had been waiting for.
As Head Coach
In June 2021, Udoka was appointed as the head coach of the Boston Celtics. Before beginning the season as head coach, Ime expressed his interest in developing the young team into a one collective unit that functions to win games and pursue championships.
Udoka’s Celtics beat the heavy favorites Milwaukee and Miami in the Eastern semis and conference finals 4-3 to punch their ticket to the finals against an experienced Golden State Warriors.
Udoka and the Celtics might not have been able to bring the trophy home that season, but the team morale was very positive moving forward.
In the beginning of next season, Udoka was unfortunately let go by the Celtics, but roped in by the Houston Rockets in April of this year as their new head coach.
FAQs
A. Ime Sunday Udoka stands 6 feet 6 inches tall.
A. Ime represented Nigeria in international matchups. Playing for Team Nigeria in the 2005 and 2011 FIBA Africa Championship, Ime won the Bronze medal.
A. Throughout his four-year college stint, Ime played for Utah State University Eastern, the University of San Francisco, and Portland State University.
A. Ime will earn an average salary of over seven million dollars as the Houston Rockets head coach starting the 2023-24 season.
