Nets' Ime Udoka reportedly atop Celtics' head-coaching list

Ime Udoka Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Nets assistant Ime Udoka reportedly atop Celtics' head-coaching list

By Erin Walsh | Last updated 6/23/21

It appears the Boston Celtics might be close to hiring their next head coach.

According to Marc Stein of the New York Times , Brooklyn Nets assistant Ime Udoka is "believed to be" at the top of Boston's list to replace Brad Stevens as head coach of the Celtics.

The report comes after The Athletic's Clevis Murray said Tuesday that Udoka has been at the top of the Celtics' list "for some time" and is the favorite to land the job.

As I already reported, Udoka has been at the top of the Celtics’ list for some time and is the favorite.

There’s been growing confidence the past few days he’ll be their guy. https://t.co/4HhWBC3oxS
— Clevis Murray (@ClevisMurray) June 22, 2021

ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski also reported earlier this month that Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown and Marcus Smart gave Udoka strong reviews. The trio played for him and Gregg Popovich at the 2019 World Cup.

Udoka served as an assistant for the San Antonio Spurs from 2012-19 and was also an assistant for the Philadelphia 76ers before joining the Nets this season.

According to Stadium's Jeff Goodman, Los Angeles Clippers assistant Chauncey Billups is also a top candidate to replace Stevens as head coach.

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