The Houston Rockets plan to hire Ime Odoka, a former Boston Celtics coach who was suspended for workplace misconduct, according to a person who was aware of the discussions but not authorized to discuss them publicly.
The news was first reported by ESPN.
The Celtics abruptly suspended Odoka for the 2022-23 NBA season in late September following an investigation into his behavior by an independent law firm. According to two people familiar with the situation, Odoka was having an affair with a female subordinate. The Celtics refused to release details about Udoka’s behavior, other than to say he violated “multiple” team policies. Udoka was shot by the Celtics in February, one person said.
Udoka led the Celtics to the NBA Finals last season in his first year as head coach, after spending nine years as an assistant.
Since his suspension, Odoka has been linked with several teams for potential coaching openers. In particular, reports emerged that Udoka was the frontrunner for the Nets job within hours of Steve Nash’s sacking in November. Udoka was an assistant for the Nets in the 2020-21 season. Instead, the Nets hired Jack Vaughn, an associate of Nash, as their coach.
With the Celtics, Udoka developed a reputation for being willing to hold players accountable. His style earned him the respect of the team, and some of the top players continued to publicly support him after his suspension. said forward Jason Tatum Correspondents in Feb that Udoka “was probably like my most favorite coach and that’s not a jab at anyone.” Ranger Jaylen Brown told The Ringer in an interview Posted in March He was “a little shocked” by Odoka’s comment.
“So whether I stand on this side or that side, they’re going to find fault with the coach I insisted he bring here to Boston,” Brown said. “I wanted to see him get back on his feet here, no matter what it was. I don’t think that’s the wrong thing for you to feel.”
The Celtics replaced Odoka with one of his assistants, Joe Mazzola, and finished the regular season with the second-best record in the league. The team leads the Atlanta Hawks, 3-1, in the first round series.
The Rockets have been one of the worst teams in the NBA this season at 22-60. They ranked near the bottom of the league on both offense and defense. In three seasons as Houston’s head coach, Stephen Silas went 59-177. On April 10, the Rockets declined his option for the next season.
The Rockets have many talented young players, including Kevin Porter Jr. and Jalen Green. In addition, the Rockets are expected to have enough salary room to sign at least one superstar to a max contract this summer, and have a host of future draft picks. Houston, Detroit, and San Antonio all have A 14 percent chance For the #1 pick in the June NBA Draft. The highly rated French player Victor Wimpanyama is widely expected to be selected first overall.