Almost exactly an hour after the Brooklyn Nets and head coach Steve Nash decided to part ways, we know who the Nets’ next full-time head coach will be.
According to multiple reports, recently suspended Boston Celtics head coach Ime Udoka is set to take the Nets’ open job. Udoka previously served on the Nets’ coaching staff as an assistant for one season before leaving for the Celtics job.
Despite leading the Celtics to the NBA Finals this past season (before losing in six games to the Warriors), Udoka’s entry to the Nets’ organization will be shrouded in controversy.
The 45-year-old coach was suspended for the entire 2022-23 season by the Celtics earlier this offseason due to what was initially reported as an improper workplace relationship. While many details have still yet to emerge, ESPN did later add some context, stating concerns about the power dynamic between Udoka and the female staff member. The report also shared that Udoka’s use of “crude language” toward a subordinate played a role in the suspension and would likely make a path toward reinstatement with the Celtics impossible.
Of course, now we know that there is officially no way that Udoka will return to Boston. The organization has reportedly given the Nets the greenlight to hire him, which means owner Joe Tsai and Co. will have plenty of explaining to do when it comes to how thoroughly they investigated Udoka’s situation.
Overall, for a franchise that has already dealt with so much dysfunction, this hiring doesn’t feel like it will help the case.