The Boston Celtics to hire Ime Udoka as their new head coach

The Boston Celtics are finalizing an agreement to hire Brooklyn Nets assistant Ime Udoka as the new head coach of their franchise, per ESPN Senior NBA Insider Adrian Wojnarowski.

Udoka will replace Brad Stevens, who stepped down as head coach to fill the role of president of basketball operations following the resignation of Danny Ainge at the end of Boston’s first-round playoff exit.

The 43-year-old playcaller was an assistant with the San Antonio Spurs for seven seasons under head coach Gregg Popovich. Udoka also spent a year as an assistant for Steve Nash and Brett Brown.

Not only did Udoka occupy Gregg Popovich’s bench as an assistant, but he also suited up for the Silver in Black, appearing in 160 regular-season contests and averaging 4.5 points per game.

Pop’s coaching tree is one of the most comprehensive in the NBA, with names like James Borrego, Taylor Jenkins, Monty Williams, Quin Snyder, and Mike Budenholzer leading well-run organizations.