The Toronto Raptors officially announced the firing of head coach Nick Nurse on Friday morning.
For months now, it seemed clear that Nurse’s job was on the line because of recent Raptors struggles.
The rumors about Nurse’s firing have been so commonplace that many have been speculating about who will replace him.
Right away on Friday, there were reports that former Boston Celtics coach Ime Udoka was in the running for the position.
According to Ian Begley, via NBACentral, “Some members of the Raptors’ organization hold Ime Udoka in high regard.”
Some members of the Raptors’ organization hold Ime Udoka in high regard, per @IanBegley pic.twitter.com/p00IqXSxeF
— NBACentral (@TheNBACentral) April 21, 2023
Udoka has been in NBA purgatory since he was suspended for a whole season due to an inappropriate relationship he had with a female staffer in Boston.
He was then briefly linked to the Brooklyn Nets after the firing of Steve Nash but a deal never came together.
Many fans on Twitter pointed out that Udoka’s name continually pops up in all head coaching searches.
raptors are expected to be one of the 8 teams ime udoka is said to be coaching next season
— . (@508zdot) April 21, 2023
Numerous people piled on with the fact that multiple teams are reportedly eyeing Udoka for the head coach position.
Ime is wanted by every team who doesn’t have a coach this isn’t news
— (Parody) (@Bolwrld__) April 21, 2023
We keep hearing this but it’s just teasing. None of y’all will actually hire dude
— zackfoxenjoyer (@gatoradewussy8) April 21, 2023
However, some fans are happy to hear that Udoka could get the job in Toronto because they believe he is a legitimately good coach who deserves a second chance.
Of course. He’s a good coach
— Chuck (@chuck_jj2) April 21, 2023
It is true that Udoka’s first season with the Celtics was extremely successful and he showed terrific promise in the role.
Unfortunately, his off-court choices led to his downfall in Boston.
If the Raptors decide to hire Udoka, they will have to address his controversial past and hope that their followers can move past it.
They will also hope he can get the Raptors in much better shape.
NEXT: The Raptors Release An Official Statement About Nick Nurse
