Ime Udoka Shares How He Felt After Celtics Suspended Him: 'We've Talked It Out'

Ime Udoka's transgressions cost him the chance to continue to build and grow with the Celtics after helping guide them to the 2022 NBA Finals.

David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

Saturday night's game between the Boston Celtics and Houston Rockets represents Ime Udoka's first trip to TD Garden since the suspension that led to his departure from the franchise he led to the 2022 NBA Finals.

It was a team-issued suspension for violations of team policies doled out five days before the start of training camp. The decision, or to put it more accurately, the inappropriate transgressions that transpired, rocked everyone within the Celtics organization.

It also thrust Joe Mazzulla into the role of bench boss after sitting behind the pine throughout Boston's run to the Finals. While the second-year head coach is comfortable in his chair now, he's described last season as being in "survival mode."

Ahead of Saturday's tilt between the Rockets and Celtics, Udoka, who in a recent interview told Marc Spears of Andscape he's uncertain what type of reaction he'll receive from the crowd at TD Garden, shared his biggest regret from how his tenure in Boston ended.

"Job not finished," expressed Udoka. "the relationships you build and the people you impact. And so, that'd be the biggest thing is (that I) formed a lot of relationships within the year. And obviously, (I) wanted a chance to run it back and do it again with a group that you feel you can build and grow with. And so, letting the people down.

"And I talked about the players, the relationships I built with them, the coaches that came with me, and then everybody else that was impacted by it. And so, from there, that's the biggest thing I would say overall is letting some people down, for sure, but we've talked it out. I've seen a lot of these people throughout the summer and talked regularly, and so we've moved past it."

Further Reading

Marcus Smart in Danger of Missing Return to Boston

Here's What Stood Out as Crucial Adjustment Ignites Jayson Tatum, Propels Celtics Past Timberwolves to Remain Unbeaten at Home

Jrue Holiday Responds to Celtics Saying He's Sacrificing Most: 'Not Mad at My Situation'

Oshae Brissett Making Strong Case to Fill Celtics' Search for Big Wing

Driven by Championship Pursuit, Jayson Tatum Unfazed by Sacrifice, Less Fanfare: 'Don't Look for That Praise'

Brad Stevens Shares What Celtics Are Looking to Add and How He Hopes to Do So

Derrick White Opens Up About Journey from Uncertainty He Belonged in the NBA to an All-Star Caliber Guard

Jaylen Brown Quieting Doubters, Validating What He Always Believed: 'Earn Everybody's Trust'

Joe Mazzulla Discusses Identity, Evolution of Celtics' Offense: 'Balance of Pace and Execution'

Jaylen Brown Shares His View of What Defines 'Celtics Basketball'