When Ime Udoka was suspended by the Celtics in September 2022 over an improper workplace relationship, his only comments were a brief, scripted statement of apology. Since then, the 45-year-old has kept a relatively low profile, and his season-long suspension ultimately became a complete parting of ways once Joe Mazzulla became the permanent head coach in Boston.
On Wednesday, however, Udoka was back in the public spotlight as part of his introductory press conference with the Houston Rockets.
Though the Rockets did their due diligence with both the Celtics and NBA league office as part of the hiring process, there were still hard questions to be asked of general manager Rafael Stone, owner Tilman Fertitta, and especially Udoka, himself, regarding the process.
Aside from the scandal, Udoka’s one year as head coach in Boston was brilliant, punctuated by a trip to the 2022 NBA Finals. He had previously spent nine seasons as an assistant and many years as an NBA player, including a seven-year stint on the bench of legendary head coach Gregg Popovich with the San Antonio Spurs.
The Rockets, of course, hope the baggage will eventually become a distant memory and believe the hire’s clear basketball merits will be worth any initial backlash. But for now, it’s a fine line to walk.
While Udoka didn’t go into specifics, he did express remorse for the situation and vowed to learn from it moving forward. Here’s a roundup of what both Stone and Udoka had to say about the scandal.
Ime Udoka, Rockets on his past baggage
Ime Udoka on Rockets looking into issue that led to his dismissal: "They’ve done due diligence on who I am as a person. We spent quality time getting to know each other.I spent this last offseason working on myself in a lot of different ways, improve in a lot of different areas.” https://t.co/8S8es7a5NH
— Jonathan Feigen (@Jonathan_Feigen) April 26, 2023
Ime Udoka said he took leadership and sensitivity training and went to counseling with his son to help him deal with the situation he put his son into. Said he realized how much his bad decision impacted others.
— Jay King (@ByJayKing) April 26, 2023
Tilman Fertitta on Udoka and his past: "The NBA told me that they feel very comfortable with Ime becoming head coach of the Houston Rockets."
Calls it a "very lengthy conversation." #Rockets
— Ben DuBose (@BenDuBose) April 26, 2023
Ime Udoka asked about what happened with him while he was the head coach of the Celtics: pic.twitter.com/l3jmmNonv6
— Mark Berman (@MarkBermanFox26) April 26, 2023
Ime Udoka: They did their due diligence on who I am as a person. We spent quality time getting to know each other.
I released a statement and apologized to the people I put in a tough position. I spent this last offseason working on myself and am a better person.
— Kelly Iko (@KellyIko) April 26, 2023
Ime Udoka on his Boston controversy:
"Like Tilman alluded to, they've done their due diligence on who I am as a person. I released a statement a few months ago apologizing for a number of people. And I stand by that. I feel even more remorse now."
— Salman Ali (@SalmanAliNBA) April 26, 2023
