Marcus Smart demonstrates some defensive play with his coach Ime Udoka
Everyone was interested in hearing what the Celtics players had to say about the Boston Celtics’ decision to ban head coach Ime Udoka for the entirety of the 2022–23 season during today’s media day for the start of the NBA season. Marcus Smart, a top player for the Boston Celtics, has already generated some buzz with his remarks regarding his coach. If you haven’t heard, Ime Udoka was suspended for engaging in an inappropriate romantic connection with a team employee.
Marcus Smart Supports Ime Udoka Despite Him Cheating On Girlfriend Nia Long With His Boston Celtics Travel Secretary
The woman said that Udoka had made inappropriate statements to her, which prompted the team to look into the connection even though it had been first assumed to be consensual.
Marcus Smart defended Udoka right away, essentially arguing that the situation is not that severe.
Marcus Smart: "Nobody died. I still love Ime as a person and as a coach. He led us to the Finals. It's just something unfortunate has happened to him." #Celtics
— gary washburn (@GwashburnGlobe) September 26, 2022
Downplaying a situation that the team deemed serious enough to ban their coach for the entire season is definitely not the best move.
More Smart comments about his coach’s choices.
Marcus Smart: "It’s been hell for us. Nobody really knows anything. We’re just in the wind, like everybody else. The last couple of days have been confusing."
— Chris Mannix (@SIChrisMannix) September 26, 2022
It’s concerning that the Boston Celtics players have mostly been kept in the dark. What exactly are they withholding from the players? Although Smart is correct that nobody died, it is obvious that the Boston Celtics wanted to convey that whatever Udoka did was unacceptable conduct for a head coach.
It would be interesting to see how this matter would have been handled differently if he had been the owner rather than a coach.
The Boston Celtics suspended Ime Udoka.
The statement from suspended coach Udoka said: “I want to apologise to our players, supporters, the entire Celtics organisation, and my family for letting them down. I am very sorry for the anguish this has caused.
Udoka has been a coach since 2012, but the Celtics only appointed him in June 2021 when he replaced Brad Stevens. He spent the majority of his career playing for the San Antonio Spurs until joining their coaching staff in 2012.
After such a tremendous season in which they came close to winning it all, it’s a huge blow for the Celtics. Boston had a fantastic season last year, winning 26 of their final 32 games, and finished with a 51-31 record under Udoka’s leadership.
Despite being undrafted during his playing career, Mazzulla impressed at the Fighting Falcons in the NCAA division II and was hired by the Celtics in 2019. He will now take over as coach. However, he must now pass the toughest test.