According to ESPN, Ime Udoka, who was suspended by the Celtics for the whole 2022–2023 season for having an affair with a married staff member, has been mentioned as a potential head coach candidate for the Pistons and Rockets.
The former Boston head coach Udoka is expected to be among the eight or so candidates Houston will take into consideration following their Sunday split from Stephen Silas, according to The Athletic.
The Rockets decided not to pick up Silas’ fourth-year option, according to an ESPN story on Sunday. Following five seasons and a 17-65 season this year, Dwane Casey announced his resignation as Pistons coach.
After Joe Mazzulla took over for Udoka following the suspension, the Celtics removed Udoka’s temporary label, making it more apparent what Udoka’s future with the team would be alleged code of conduct violation — that included sending inappropriate text messages and a “volume of violations” — and suspension, in February.
The Celtics indicated in a statement that Udoka’s future with the team would be decided “at a later date” following his September suspension.
After Brooklyn dismissed Steve Nash earlier in the season, Udoka became a front-runner to start for the Nets. However, after negative feedback, the franchise decided to employ Jacque Vaughn instead of Udoka and removed his interim designation.
Udoka started his coaching career as an assistant in San Antonio, where he worked under Gregg Popovich for seven years. He then spent an additional year with the 76ers and another year with the Nets.
