Boston Celtics: The top 3 candidates to be next head coach

By Jack Simone | Jun 17, 2021

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - JANUARY 09: Assistant coach Sam Cassell of the Philadelphia 76ers speaks with Will Barton #5 of the Denver Nuggets at Wells Fargo Center on January 09, 2021 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images) /

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Boston Celtics (Photo by Steven Ryan/Getty Images) /

Boston Celtics choice #3: The top assistant finally gets a chance

Udoka spent seven years in the NBA and played for five different organizations. He found most of his success playing with the Spurs under Gregg Popovich.

Despite his lackluster playing career, Udoka has proven to be an amazing coach. He coached under Popovich from 2012-2019 before moving on to opportunities with the 76ers and Nets.

He has been highly regarded as one of the top assistant coaches in the NBA for years. After finishing last season with the 76ers, many believed he would be a top option for head coaching openings around the league.

A. Sherrod Blakely has high praise for Udoka. He references a quote from a Western Conference executive when speaking about his coaching abilities.

"“Ime’s a bit of a mystery why he hasn’t gotten a head coaching job yet,” a Western Conference executive said. “But being in Brooklyn now … If I had to put money on it, I’d bet he’ll get a head coaching job in the next year or two.”"

Udoka would step into the position and immediately have the respect of the Celtics players. It is widely known that he is a top basketball mind.

The one thing Udoka lacks is an illustrious playing career. However, that has never gotten in the way of him being an elite coach in the NBA.

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