Boston Celtics: Ime Udoka has had a clear influence on C’s offseason

The Boston Celtics have turned their offseason around in recent weeks, most recently with the signing of Dennis Schroder.

The Cs signed Schroder to a steal of a deal valued at 1-year, $5.9 million deal, giving them another veteran who can help them win now. The point guard now joins Josh Richardson and Al Horford on the list of veterans the team has added this offseason.

I think the new Celtics head coach, Ime Udoka, has played a big role in these additions.

Udoka, since he was hired, has preached two things: playing team basketball on offense and being a strong defensive team.

So far this offseason, the Boston Celtics have improved in these areas as they have added solid defenders and a playmaking point guard.

Udoka has to be pleased with these additions as he has connections with some of them. Udoka coached Richardson and Horford during his brief stint as an assistant with the Philadelphia 76ers. I think the new headman influenced these signings because he has experience coaching them.

His press conference at halftime of the C’s Summer League game on Tuesday highlighted his influence on this offseason. In my opinion, Udoka gave answers to questions that precisely pinpoint his impact this offseason. For example, according to Celtics Blog, Udoka said:

"“We wanted to add some veterans to the mix.”"

The Boston Celtics listened to this as they landed Horford and Richardson, who are veterans that can complement their young stars, Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown.

Udoka also mentioned his desire for team basketball this season, and he has previously mentioned how the Celtics finished 24th in team assists per game last season.

Regarding team basketball, Udoka stated:

"“We got a ton of great shooters, so we want to play more team basketball… in general, an exciting brand, just share the ball a little more.”"

This comment highlights why the Celtics signed Dennis Schroder as he is a solid playmaker. Last season Schroder averaged 5.8 assists per game, which would have been the highest on the team.

Overall, I think the Boston Celtics have made their moves this offseason with Ime Udoka in mind.

They’re building a roster that fits his philosophy of team-first basketball and a defense that will suffocate opposing offenses.

The Celtics will have a chance to be the best defensive team in basketball, and they could improve their team assist numbers.

It will be exciting to see how Udoka manages this roster next season as the shamrocks chase banner No. 18.