FILE — atty Mills #8 of the San Antonio Spurs, assistant coaches Becky Hammon, Ime Udoka, and head coach Gregg Popovich watch action against the Indiana Pacers from the bench during an NBA game on October 24, 2018 Edward A. Ornelas/Getty Images/AFP
The Boston Celtics and Brooklyn Nets assistant Ime Udoka are putting the finishing touches on a deal for Udoka to become Boston’s new head coach, according to an ESPN report.
Udoka, 43, is a longtime disciple of San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich, having worked on Popovich’s Spurs staff for seven years and serving as his assistant at the 2019 World Cup tournament.
Following his time in San Antonio, Udoka joined the Philadelphia 76ers for a year before spending this past season on the Nets staff.
The Portland, Oregon, native played seven years in the NBA, averaging 5.2 points and 2.9 rebounds per game while playing for the Los Angeles Lakers, New York Knicks, Portland Trail Blazers, Sacramento Kings and the Spurs.
While with the Blazers in 2006-07, Udoka started 75 games and averaged 8.4 points and 3.7 rebounds.
The ESPN report cited Celtics players’ positive reviews referencing Udoka’s work at the World Cup tournament.