Suspended Boston Celtics head coach Ime Udoka, who led the Cs to their first NBA Finals this past June since the 2009-10 season, was announced by Adrian Wojnarowski to be the likely next Brooklyn Nets head coach — following the firing of Steve Nash — last Tuesday.
It’s been almost a week, and Udoka still has not been finalized as the head coach of a Nets team that has started out 4-6 through 10 games. In fact, crucial key developments could ultimately derail the hiring altogether.
As many know, Udoka was suspended by the Boston Celtics brain trust after rumors leaked that he was having an affair with a female member of the organization — and potentially a minority owner’s wife as well.
That behavior has reportedly alarmed female members of the Nets organization as well. Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson relayed fears from Brooklyn employees:
Some of those strong voices against Ime Udoka joining the Nets include female employees within the organization who may be uncomfortable with the hiring I’m told. https://t.co/YZ5XskyPrB
— 👑 Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson (@ScoopB) November 7, 2022
The Brooklyn Nets could retain Jacque Vaughn instead of hiring suspended Boston Celtics head coach Ime Udoka
The other update from Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson pertains to the Brooklyn Nets organization’s current structure, and how many feel there may not be a need to change it at the current moment given the momentum the team now has following a two-game winning streak.
Jacque Vaughn, who led the Nets to a 7-3 record during the 2019-20 season following Kenny Atkinson’s mid-season departure, has once again stepped into the interim role. Robinson reports that with improvements to the team’s morale, the franchise is taking their time hiring the next head coach — conceivably opening up the door for Vaughn to stick around full-time:
Ime Udoka Update: Nets are pleased with Jacque Vaughn right now & with all of the attention that the Nets have garnered this week I’m told that they’re taking things slow.
— 👑 Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson (@ScoopB) November 6, 2022
“Nets chemistry in the locker room is really flowing. Guys are really happy,” one source shared. https://t.co/9QIrA74NuL
From the sounds of it, Ime Udoka’s chances of finding another NBA coaching job less than two months removed from his Boston Celtics suspension seem to be dwindling.