The Nigerian-born coach led his NBA team for the first time and was chosen by his predecessor Brad Stevens when he became Sports President of the franchise.
Name Udoka made his presentation on Celtics on June 23, 2021 and said in front of the cameras and surrounded by the franchise board: “We want a complete team. I looked at the overall numbers and, sorry to put it down, Brad, but 27th in assists last year – we want to have more of a basketball team. “. In less than a year, the coach’s hand can be seen on a team already aspires to be NBA champion after 14 years of drought.
Also Gregg Popovich pierced his nose in this regard (in the NBA finals): both coaches played under him San Antonio Spurs: Udoka in the periods 2007-2009 and 2010-211 and Kerr in 1998-2001 and 2002-2003. But also are assistants a five -time NBA champion, he was joined as the Celtics ’debutant coach between 2012 and 2019 in the Texan franchise; while the Warriors coach was an assistant between 2019-2021 on the U.S. team, a position he now owns as Popovich’s successor.
Photo: Maddie Malhotra/Getty Images
After an unstable start to the regular season with a negative 18-21 record, he was able to establish the functioning of the team he intended and was able to reverse the trend to end 82 games with a 33-10 record. “Talent is not worth the effort”said Udoka and clarified how much space there is for those who do not want to give up their individualism.
Ime Udoka may be the sixth coach in NBA history to become a champion in his first year at the hands of a team as Head Coach.
- Paul Westhead – Los Angeles Lakers 1980
- Pat Riley – Los Angeles Lakers 1982
- Steve Kerr – Golden State Warriors 2015
- Tyronn Lue – Cleveland Cavaliers 2016
- Nick Nurse – Toronto Raptors 2019
Cover Photo: Michael Reaves/Getty Images
Source: Tycsports
I am Sandra Jackson, a journalist and content creator with extensive experience in the news industry. I have been working in the news media for over five years. During this time, I have worked as an author and editor at various outlets producing high-quality content that attracts readers from different demographics.
