Former Boston Celtics HC ‘could arguably be top candidate’ for Western Conference job

Former Boston Celtics head coach Ime Udoka was suspended in September 2022, and ultimately let go in February 2023, and because of that, he’ll forever be linked to the affairs he had with female members of the Cs organization. Thus, it’s no surprise that Michael Shapiro of the Houston Chronicle called his candidacy for the Rockets’ open head coaching vacancy — which was opened up by Houston parting ways with Stephen Silas by not picking up his fourth-year team option — “clouded to a degree.”

“(Udoka’s) candidacy is clouded to a degree by his suspension (and effective dismissal) from Boston in September 2022, in which he was taken out of his role by ownership following an improper workplace relationship with a female staffer,” Shapiro wrote.

If that doesn’t stop the Rockets’ brain trust? Well, in that case, Udoka could well be the top candidate.

“If Houston’s ownership isn’t dissuaded by the aforementioned situation, Udoka could arguably be the top candidate,” Shapiro relayed.

Ime Udoka ‘more than impressed’ with Boston Celtics and Spurs

While Udoka’s past behind the scenes could well keep him out of Houston (and any team for that matter), his on-court coaching past is what put him in the conversation to begin with. Before the Boston Celtics hired Udoka, he was a highly-sought after coaching candidate who was set to represent the Gregg Popovich coaching tree with pride. He did just that for just one season before his personal conduct cost him one of the best jobs in the NBA.

Shapiro called his prior coaching past impressive in comparing him to another top Rockets candidate, Frank Vogel.

“Udoka doesn’t sport the same expansive resume as Vogel to a degree, though he more than impressed with a decade-long apprenticeship under Gregg Popovich as an assistant in San Antonio before a run to the Finals as the head coach of the Celtics in 2021-22,” Shapiro wrote.