Boston Celtics coach Ime Udoka faces disciplinary action, which could include a significant suspension, for violating the team’s code of conduct after an “inappropriate, intimate and consensual relationship” with a female staff member, Shams reports Charania of The Athletic. Udoka’s job is not believed to be in jeopardy, but a suspension is imminent, and a final decision on that length could come as soon as Thursday, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. Coaching assignments are extremely rare in the NBA. Washington Wizards assistant Mike Baptiste was suspended for two games last season for walking into the stands, and both Mike Budenholzer and Jason Kidd earned one-game suspensions for conduct that occurred in a game. It would be unprecedented for a long layoff for a manager, especially for an imposing team. Udoka took over the Celtics last season as head coach and despite a 23-24 start, led the team to a stunning 28-7 finish and ultimately a berth in the NBA Finals. The Celtics came up just short, but were set to enter this season as the betting favorite to win the championship. With Udoka’s status unclear, this could easily change. This is just the latest issue to hit Boston in a tumultuous offseason. Forward Jaylen Brown has publicly commented on trade rumors involving him and Brooklyn Nets star Kevin Durant. Free agent signing Danilo Gallinari tore his ACL while playing for the Italian National Team. Starting center Robert Williams III is recovering from knee surgery and is expected to miss practice. Now, the Celtics may be without their coach for a significant portion of the season. If he is ultimately suspended, Boston’s path to a repeat trip to the Finals becomes even more perilous.
