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The Boston Celtics have filled their coaching vacancy with Nets assistant coach Ime Udoka. ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski delivered the news on Wednesday.
The Boston Celtics are finalizing an agreement to hire Brooklyn Nets assistant Ime Udoka as the franchise’s new coach, sources tell ESPN.
Udoka, a Portland native, has served as an assistant coach with the Spurs, Sixers and Nets. As a player, Udoka started in 75 games for the Trail Blazers in the 2006-07 season.
Prior to Wednesday’s news, it was believed that Udoka and Clippers assistant coach Chauncey Billups had emerged as the frontrunners for the Celtics’ vacancy. Billups is currently in the running for the head coaching job with the Trail Blazers. According to multiple reports, Billups is among three coaching candidates that received a second interview for Portland’s open spot.
The Celtics’ head coach position was vacated by Brad Stevens. Stevens moved into a front office position after long-time President of Basketball Operations Danny Ainge stepped down.