As with most NBA head coaches, Ime Udoka prefers the spotlight to be on his players for the Houston Rockets, as opposed to himself. But at least for one night, that’s probably too much to ask.
On Saturday, Udoka makes his first return to Boston since the improper workplace relationship that cost him his job there.
It’s unclear what the reception from Celtics fans will be. Udoka’s one year as head coach in Boston was brilliant, punctuated by a trip to the 2022 NBA Finals. But it was immediately followed that offseason by a workplace scandal that ultimately led to a parting of ways.
In pregame comments, here’s a roundup of what Udoka told media members from the TD Garden in Boston. With those questions answered, Udoka can now turn his focus exclusively to basketball, where the Rockets (19-18) could certainly use a strong performance after a rough road record (4-13) to begin the 2023-24 campaign.
Ime Udoka on his return to Boston
Ime Udoka on returning to Boston to go against his former #Celtics team:
“I’m not too sentimental of a person and don’t get caught up in anything like that.”
(🎥 @CLNSMedia) pic.twitter.com/1V3WahESxa
— The Celtics Files (@CelticsFiles) January 13, 2024
Coach Ime Udoka returns to Boston on Saturday with a rebuilt Houston #Rockets team. Former #Celtics coach and players reflect on his progress and challenges after his suspension and dismissal in 2023. Story in @andscape. https://t.co/G31VvPJKbv
— Marc J. Spears (@MarcJSpears) January 10, 2024
Ime Udoka to Marc Spears ahead of Saturday's return to Boston:
“My [#Celtics] players will reach out and talk about how proud they are about what we’re doing and then vice versa. I see what they’re doing as well…The biggest piece from just being there for only one season was… https://t.co/AcW9RKzZDR
— Bobby Krivitsky (@BobbyKrivitsky) January 10, 2024
Udoka tonight on if BOS game is different: "Not really. I look at one at a time, and I was not looking ahead of Detroit at all…for me, you go back to somewhere you had some success, but overall, I'd say I'm not too sentimental of a person & won't get caught up in anything like…
— Bobby Manning (@RealBobManning) January 13, 2024
Ime Udoka on addressing frustration of the #Celtics' players after the suspension when he couldn't talk to them:
"Well, I would say they lied to you guys. They knew some of them knew … obviously I could talk to them and they wouldn't share stuff publicly. So, who needed to… pic.twitter.com/uErKjBKp5k
— Celtics on CLNS (@CelticsCLNS) January 13, 2024
Ime Udoka on the impacting Tatum & Brown:
“I think going through that experience helps everybody across the board. Little things. I might have imparted some wisdom on them as far as that and just their growth in general. (1/3)
— Josue Pavón (@Joe_Sway) January 13, 2024
Ime Udoka was asked about his biggest regret from how his tenure ended in Boston pic.twitter.com/IiLKTPYxVH
— Adam Spolane (@AdamSpolane) January 13, 2024
Ime Udoka says his biggest regret in Boston was "letting people down" #Celtics #Rockets #NBA
📺FULL Pregame Interview: https://t.co/lpt9vWUF30
⚡️by @FDSportsbook | @HelloFresh | @SeatGeek pic.twitter.com/1r6QU3qdzi
— Celtics on CLNS (@CelticsCLNS) January 13, 2024
Ime Udoka on getting over the #Celtics losing in the 2022 Finals:
“Something that, directly, our whole offseason was focused on.” pic.twitter.com/4fh9uRgXBS
— Bobby Krivitsky (@BobbyKrivitsky) January 13, 2024
