Ime Udoka went to counseling with his SON ‘to improve the situation I put him in’ after Celtics affair at work ended relationship with actress Nia Long – as he returns to NBA in $28 deal .5 million to coach Houston Rockets
- Udoka was suspended by the C’s in September for breaching a code of conduct
- During his one-year suspension, he was officially replaced as coach by Joe Mazzulla
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New Houston Rockets coach Ime Udoka has revealed that he entered therapy with his son after his workplace affair with the Boston Celtics ended his relationship with Nia Long.
Udoka has signed a four-year contract to become the head coach of the Rockets, who are worth $28.5 million, according to the Houston Chronicle.
Udoka said at his unveiling on Wednesday that he and his son went to counseling “to help him improve in the situation I put him in.”
He added: “I issued a statement months ago, when everything happened, and apologized to a lot of people for the difficult position I put them in, and I stand by that. I feel a lot more regret about that, even now.
“I’ve been working on myself in a lot of different ways this past off-season, improvements in areas, a chance to sit back and think and grow, and I think that will make me a better coach and leader.
The Houston Rockers unveiled Ime Udoka as the franchise’s new head coach on Wednesday
Rockets owner Tillman Fertitta glowed in his assessment of the former Celtics coach
“But the situation has been resolved and I can’t really say much about it.”
Rockets team owner Tilman Feetitta said he gave his best at Udoka before hiring him in a lucrative deal.
Udoka added, “Like Tilman said, they did their homework on who I am as a person, and I think we spent quality time together and got to know each other and hit it off pretty easily and pretty well.”
Wednesday was the first time Udoka, 45, spoke publicly about the situation that cost him his job with the Boston Celtics.
Udoka guided the Celtics to a surprise place in the NBA Finals last season and was replaced as the team’s head coach by former assistant Joe Mazzula during his suspension from the Eastern Conference franchise.
Rafael Stone, Rockets general manager, said in a statement Tuesday evening, “We are excited to welcome Ime to the Houston Rockets.
“Ime’s intelligence, drive and toughness were the qualities we were looking for in a coach to lead our team through this next phase of our development as we strive to become champions.
“We were honored to speak with several outstanding candidates during the interview process and felt that Ime’s vision best aligns with the goals the (team-owning) Fertitta family and myself have for the future of the Rockets.”
Udoka’s publicized affair ended his relationship with Nia Long, with whom he has a son
Udoka was suspended by the Celtics for an affair with a colleague of C’s before being replaced
Before joining Boston, Udoka won a ring as an assistant coach with the San Antonio Spurs