NBA analyst believes Brooklyn Nets will tarnish their image by onboarding Ime Udoka, expects scrutiny from fans & media
The Brooklyn Nets are in the market for a new head coach. After parting ways with Steve Nash, the team has been linked with suspended Boston Celtics coach Ime Udoka. Veteran NBA reporter Ian Begley believes that the Nets will be bringing trouble upon themselves by making such a signing.
Udoka was suspended by the Celtics for what was reported to be an 'improper relationship' with a female employee of the organization. It is unclear whether the team intends to bring him back next season.
The Nets, meanwhile, are trying to bounce back after a 2-6 start to the season and are hoping that bringing Udoka in could right the ship. However, Begley believes they would be taking a huge risk doing so.
“Any franchise that brings Ime on as head coach is taking a big risk,” Begley said on SNY. "Any team that brings him on is going to face a lot of questions, but particularly this Nets team and the way things have gone these past few years.
"There's going to be scrutiny around this team ... what was your process on deciding on Udoka? Why do you see this situation differently from the Celtics? There will be a lot of questions be asked of Joe Tsai if the deal gets to the finish line."
Talked to @emacSNY last night about how and why Ime Udoka could turn the season around in BKN, the questions BKN will need to answer if/when they finalize the Udoka & BKN’s cursory trade talks before the Nash decision: https://t.co/sKB6omAgft
Udoka is still under contract with the Celtics and the Nets will have to get permission to negotiate with the coach. Usually in these situations, the team pursuing the coach would have to provide compensation to the other team. The Celtics received a first-round draft pick in 2013 to send then-coach Doc Rivers to the LA Clippers.
However, given the controversy surrounding Udoka, they may be keen to move him on as quickly as they can.
The Boston Celtics will not seek compensation from the Brooklyn Nets and will allow Ime Udoka to move on, league sources tell @NBAonTNT.
Brooklyn Nets surrounded by controversies
The Nets have had more attention for what has happened off the court than on it. This summer, Kevin Durant demanded a trade. The organization was unable to get sufficient compensation for the star forward. Durant, upon returning to the team, requested that coach Steve Nash and general manager Sean Marks both be fired as a condition of him coming back. That did not happen.
Kyrie Irving, meanwhile, was not offered a long-term contract extension and pushed for a move away. He was ultimately unable to secure a long-term deal and opted into his player option.
Irving missed a significant portion of last season due to his refusal to get the COVID-19 vaccine. He has also made headlines for his controversial views. He shared a video from known conspiracy theorist Alex Jones, who recently lost three defamation lawsuits to the victims of the Sandy Hook tragedy. He also shared a link to a movie that promoted anti-semitism.
Kyrie has since removed the video link from his social media and has agreed to donate $500,000 along with the Nets organization to the Anti-Defamation League.
How will Ime Udoka fit in with the Nets if they sign him?
Ime Udoka will not have to start from scratch with the Nets. Most coaches have to get used to the roster and figure out the best way to use the players. But Udoka was an assistant with the Nets during the 2020-21 season and will have a head start when it comes to working with the roster.
Udoka will still have his work cut out for him though. He will likely have to answer media questions about what happened in Boston. On top of that, he will have to keep his star players in Durant and Irving happy, whilst getting this team to play winning basketball.