The Boston Celtics formally introduced Ime Udoka as their 18th head coach in franchise history on Monday. The press conference revealed the expectations for his tenure, including the objective of capturing the coveted championship No. 18.
At the press conference, newly installed President of Basketball Operations Brad Stevens joked how it was nice to get to know Udoka as more than the guy “yelling out our play calls in the Philly and Brooklyn series the last two years. And I’m really looking forward to working with him.”
Co-owner Stephen Pagliuca wasted no time laying down the expectations for the new head coach, nonchalantly saying, “hopefully our 18th coach for our 18th banner, that would be good symmetry there.” This is for sure Boston we’re talking about here, no doubt about it. Before the guy has even fleshed out his staff, ownership is calling for a championship with a roster that just bowed out of the postseason in a gentleman’s sweep and who traded away their starting point guard to start the offseason.
Udoka seemed to take the comment in stride, responding with “as you said, let’s go for 18,” when it was his turn to speak. However, right away for the Celtic’s upcoming season, the goal is the Finals or bust. Is it unfair, nay, unrealistic to expect such a turnaround as soon as next year? It is true that this season was supposed to include a Finals appearance after Boston lost to the Heat in the Bubble at the end of the 2019-20 season. But after an arduous campaign in 2020-21, it may make more sense to be cautious with this roster going forward. After all, the East has only gotten better and multiple teams will be as hungry as ever to get a championship due to their early exits this postseason, namely the Nets, 76ers, Heat, and Knicks.
However, Udoka may be just what the Celtics needed to get back on track. He spoke about his time with San Antonio during the press conference, emphasizing how special it was working with a first-class organization such as the Spurs, culminating in a 2014 Finals victory. The former assistant coach has worked with a number of superstars during his career, an aspect Brad Stevens had never done prior to joining Boston and something he’s been criticized for mishandling during his time as the head coach.
Udoka also has an established working relationship with many of the Celtics players. He coached Tatum, Brown, and Smart on Team USA. He worked with Al Horford during his season in Philadelphia, and he’s known Payton Pritchard since he was a young kid in Portland. As for his style of coaching, Udoka seemed to imply a change of pace compared to Steven’s more stoic, quiet demeanor. “They’re going to allow me to coach and push them, they know I’m going to be on their ass and that’s what they like about me, they’ve asked for that.” All season there was talk about Steven’s voice potentially being drowned out by the players. A move like this might be exactly what Boston needs to help Tatum and Brown grow as leaders, and for the Celtics to get back to their winning ways.
Another thing going for this partnership is that Udoka said that Boston was the most attractive opening in the head coaching realm thanks to the organization, the history, the expectations, and obviously the roster featuring “two foundational young pillars” in Tatum and Brown.
Boston Co-owner Wyc Grousbeck told reporters how during their meeting with Udoka, the hours flew by as they discussed basketball, describing their connection as “electricity.” “This was his first choice and he was our first choice and it was as simple as that.” Udoka got his team, and the Celtics got their guy. The makings of a long-term union are certainly present.
Stevens said what separated Udoka from other candidates was his playing experience as someone on the tail end of a roster, his longtime service with the Spurs behind Greg Popovich, and his close up view of two entirely different teams and organizations during his stints in Philadelphia and Brooklyn. Pagliuca said what stood out in Udoka was his empathy to connect with and care for players, as well as his teaching abilities. Stevens stated how “his ability to be tough and yet very warm” helped put him over the top for the Celtics.
Udoka touted his defensive experience both as a player and with both Philly and Brooklyn as an assistant coach. He also called out the Celtic’s 27th overall ranking in assists this past year, saying he wants to implement more team basketball. “I like to bring the dog out in guys.” Though he called for more team ball (sorry Tatum isolation plays), he relented that you have to cater your squad around your roster and toward the strengths of each player (okay, maybe some Tatum isolation plays).
Boston’s new head coach has already started filling out his staff, hiring Will Hardy to the organization. Hardy was also an assistant for Team USA during the 2019 FIBA World Cup and a former Spurs assistant coach.
Udoka’s style seems to be one that Celtics players are calling for, and likely will be a beneficial alteration in Boston’s coaching philosophy. Still, It might be unrealistic to expect a championship as early as next season, but when have Boston fans ever clamored for anything less? As Udoka said, “anytime you have those young pillars, you have a chance.”