Getty Head coach Ime Udoka of the Boston Celtics reacts against the Golden State Warriors.
The Boston Celtics continue to get bad news. It started with Danilo Gallinari’s noncontact knee injury that was confirmed to be an ACL tear. Then it was revealed that Robert Williams III would be out four to six weeks after going through arthroscopic surgery on his knee. Now, head coach Ime Udoka might be out for a while too.
According to Adrian Wojnarowski, “Udoka is facing possible disciplinary action — including a significant suspension – for an unspecified violation of organizational guidelines. Discussions are ongoing within the Celtics on a final determination.”
ESPN Sources: Boston Celtics coach Ime Udoka is facing possible disciplinary action – including a significant suspension – for an unspecified violation of organizational guidelines. Discussions are ongoing within the Celtics on a final determination.
Adam Himmelsbach of The Boston Globe later confirmed the report, saying that Udoka violated team rules.
Celtics coach Ime Udoka is facing a likely suspension for a violation of team rules, a league source confirms. @wojespn first to report the news.
Brian Robb of MassLive also confirmed the report.
Ime Udoka is facing a potential suspension by the Celtics to start the season for violation of team rules
No details have been released regarding the policy Udoka violated.
Udoka’s Job Appears to Be Safe
While Wojnarowski did not provide the details on what exactly happened, he later followed up his tweet by saying that, while Udoka’s job is safe, he is likely to face a suspension as soon as September 22.
“Ime Udoka’s job isn’t believed to be in jeopardy, but a suspension is looming, and a final determination on that length could come as soon as Thursday, sources tell ESPN.”
Wojnarowski also appeared on “The Scott Van Pelt Show” to report what he knew. Wojnarowski said he expected more details would be revealed if and when Udoka is suspended.
Here’s the latest info on Ime Udoka’s possible suspension
Brad Stevens Get Candid on Injured Celtics
In an interview with Gary Washburn of The Boston Globe, President of Basketball Operations Brad Stevens opened up about his feelings about Robert Williams III and Danilo Gallinari.
“Robert’s obviously a short-term thing,” Stevens told Washburn. “We’re hopeful that Rob will be just like last time [in May], in the weight room a day later and starting his rehab. It should not take a long time into the season.”
Washburn added that the Celtics will handle Williams with care following the surgery.
“Williams, who has experienced a plethora of injuries, will not be rushed back despite the Celtics’ desire to get off to a fast start — unlike last season.”
Stevens also told Washburn that they won’t overreact to Williams’ injury and like what they’ve seen from some of their current guys on the roster.
“We’re going back and forth on it,” Stevens said. “We don’t want to overreact to Rob’s [injury] just because it’s a short-term thing here. We feel good about some of the guys who have been in the gym for the last few weeks. We’ve had a bunch of guys in, a lot of the guys that have been added to the roster recently.
“I’ve been impressed with some of those guys at positions of need, and so we’ll see how that plays itself out.”
Washburn also revealed what Stevens told him about Gallinari’s timeframe for recovery.
“Stevens said Gallinari, signed to a two-year deal in July, had been strengthening his knee in preparation for surgery and is motivated to return this season. It’s uncertain whether the 34-year-old can respond from his second ACL tear on that rapid of a timeline.”