Each NBA season, there seem to be a few surprise coach firings that no one saw coming.
We already saw one this year when the Brooklyn Nets fired head coach Steve Nash.
One candidate whose name will be associated with almost every job opening is Ime Udoka.
“[Ime Udoka] will coach again in the NBA, he may coach as soon if not this season somewhere else next season.”
– @wojespn
(h/t @_Talkin_NBA ) pic.twitter.com/Q0r43KWpPp
— NBACentral (@TheNBACentral) November 9, 2022
After leading the Boston Celtics to the NBA Finals last year, Udoka was suspended for this entire season for breaking team protocols.
While he was only suspended for one season by the Celtics, it appears he will never coach for them again.
Udoka was in the running for the Nets job before they decided to hire Jacque Vaughn.
Here are three teams Udoka may end up with next season.
1. New York Knicks
The New York Knicks are one of the most scrutinized franchises in the NBA.
With a record of 5-6 to start the season, Tom Thibodeau might be out the door if the Knicks do not make the playoffs.
That is where Udoka will come in.
He has shown the ability to win early in a tenure, and Knicks fans will be hoping he can do the same for them.
2. Philadelphia 76ers
Another team that seemingly underachieves every year is the Philadelphia 76ers.
With Doc Rivers leading the way the Sixers have failed to make it out of the second round of the playoffs.
They will need much more success this season or Rivers could be done.
With a roster of Joel Embiid, James Harden, Tyrese Maxey, and other contributors the 76ers should compete for a championship.
Udoka has experience coaching in a big city when he was with Boston.
He was also an assistant coach for the 76ers for one year during the 2019-20 season.
Udoka will be a top candidate if the Sixers decide to move on from Rivers.
3. San Antonio Spurs
It remains uncertain when Gregg Popovich plans to step away from coaching.
But, if it is after this season, Udoka could be the next man up.
He was an assistant coach under Popovich for seven seasons, so he has familiarity with the San Antonio Spurs organization.
While the Spurs are in rebuild mode, this may be the best job that Udoka can get.
The suspension could deter some teams from hiring him but no team is as familiar with his coaching ability as the Spurs.
