Former Boston Celtics coach Ime Udoka is reportedly the frontrunner to replace Nick Nurse as the Toronto Raptors’ head honcho.
The latter was fired by the Raptors, according to multiple reports. The decision behind Nurse’s ouster comes on the back of his non-committal thoughts on his future with Toronto. Per TSN insider Josh Lewenberg, this didn’t go down well with the Raptors’ management.
Former Celtics coach Ime Udoka is expected to be a serious candidate to replace Nurse, sources tell ESPN. https://t.co/L15nmpkxVo
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) April 21, 2023
“First of all, I think when this season gets done, we’ll evaluate everything, and even personally, I’m gonna take a few weeks to see where I’m at, you know?” Nurse had said, via ESPN.
“Like you said, where my head’s at. And just see how the relationship with the organization is and everything. It’s been 10 years for me now, which is a pretty good run. I don’t know, over those 10 years, we got to be up there in a number of wins with anybody in the league. I don’t know even know where that is, but we’ve had a lot of big seasons.”
Udoka was one of the figures embroiled in an offseason controversy with the Celtics’ front office. He was suspended for violating the organization’s rules by having an affair with a female member of staff.
He subsequently rendered an apology, saying, “I want to apologize to our players, fans, and the entire Celtics organization and my family for letting them down. I regret putting the team in this difficult situation and I accept the team’s decision.”
Now, he appears to be back in business as the Raptors will look to bolster their coaching department with a tactical genius in Udoka.
Toronto failed to make the postseason after they were beaten by the Chicago Bulls in the play-in.
Ime Udoka Will Reportedly Continue To Interview For Other Coaching Vacancies This Offseason
While the buzz is all about Udoka inking a deal with Toronto, a recent development by NBA insider Ian Begley emerged, saying that the coach was also interviewing with other franchises over the offseason.
Taking to Twitter, Begley wrote: “One note on Toronto: some members of the organization hold former Celtics coach Ime Udoka in high regard. Udoka, reportedly, has interviewed – or will interview – for several other NBA coaching vacancies this offseason.”
One note on Toronto: some members of the organization hold former Celtics coach Ime Udoka in high regard. Udoka, reportedly, has interviewed – or will interview – for several other NBA coaching vacancies this offseason.
— Ian Begley (@IanBegley) April 21, 2023
There is no doubt that Toronto will benefit under Udoka. Their promising offense will now have a clear plan that will pretty much put them on the same path as the Celtics’ free-flowing offense that Udoka built around Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown.
Only time will tell if the Raptors will bag Udoka.
We sincerely appreciate and respect you as a reader of our site. It would help us a lot if you follow us on Google News because of the latest update.
Thanks for following us. We really appreciate your support.
