Houston Rockets head coach Ime Udoka had a very public breakup with ex-girlfriend Nia Long, who was once expecting to be his future wife prior to their called-off engagement. The couple split amid Udoka’s initial suspension by the Boston Celtics for the 2022-23 season after an investigation revealed an improper relationship with a staffer.
Ultimately, the Celtics permanently cut ties with Udoka in February 2023. In a statement to People in December 2022, Long revealed that she was no longer with Udoka following the affair.
Despite her private life turning public in a series of unfortunate events, Long mostly remained quiet on their former relationship. Now, Long is speaking up and her response may surprise some NBA fans.
Here’s what you need to know about Long and Udoka.
Ime Udoka’s Ex-Girlfriend Nia Long on Rockets Coach: ‘I Hope He Wins. He Deserves to Win.’
While many people would have become bitter, Long is displaying grace to Udoka, both publicly and privately. The acclaimed actress revealed that the former couple traveled together with their son, Kez, during the summer of 2025 despite the split.
Udoka was hired by the Rockets in April 2023, and Long admitted that she still hopes her former fiance wins.
“This summer, I traveled with my youngest son and my ex, Ime,” Long told The Cut’s Evan Nicole Brown during an October 9, 2025, feature story. “We had a great time. I’ve never walked that much in my life. But it was really beautiful because we’ve had a very public journey that has found its way to peace and understanding.
“And there’s a lot of mutual respect that we have for each other. The most important gift you can give your kids is to heal your trauma. I don’t talk much about my personal life ’cause it’s no one’s business, but every now and then people speculate things on social media and it’s like me and Coach are good,” Long added.
“I hope he wins. He deserves to win. He’s really great at what he does. We can have experiences with our son and make him the priority.”
Nia Long & Ime Udoka Are Not Known To Be Dating Anyone Since Their Breakup
Long is not believed to be in a relationship, while Udoka’s current dating status remains unknown. After being hired by the Rockets, Udoka expressed remorse for how things ended in Boston.
“But overall, I released a statement months ago when everything happened and apologized to a lot of people for the tough position I put them in, and I stand by that,” Udoka told reporters in April 2023, per Boston Herald. “I feel much more remorse even now towards that.
“I spent this last offseason working on myself in a lot of different ways, improving in areas, chance to sit back, reflect and grow. And I think that will make me a better coach and overall a better leader. But, the situation, the matter has been resolved and I can’t really speak much about it.”
As for Long, the actress made it clear that bitterness can only end up hurting herself and their family.
“There’s still healing to be done and understanding to be had, but the past is the past,” Long told The Cut. “I’m not going to carry burdensome energy with me because that just transfers to my children and it transfers to everything else in my life. I’m proud of myself.”
Ime Udoka’s Ex-Girlfriend Nia Long Finally Sets Record Straight on Rockets Coach