Ime Udoka went to counseling with his SON ‘to improve the situation I put him in’ after Celtics workplace affair ended relationship with actress Nia Long – as he returns to NBA in $28.5m deal to coach Houston Rockets
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New Houston Rockets coach Ime Udoka has revealed he went to counseling with his son after his workplace affair at the Boston Celtics ended his relationship with Nia Long.
Udoka has signed a four-year deal to become the head coach of the Rockets, which the Houston Chronicle says is worth $28.5m.
Speaking Wednesday at his unveiling, Udoka said he and his son went to counseling ‘to help him improve in the situation that I put him in.’
He added: ‘I released a statement months ago, when everything happened, and apologized to a lot of people for the tough position that I put them in, and I stand by that. I feel much more remorse, even now, towards that.
‘I spent this last offseason working on myself in a lot of different ways, improving in areas, a chance to sit back and reflect and grow, and I think that will make me a better coach and leader.
‘But, the situation’s been resolved, and I can’t really speak much about it.’
The Rockets team owner Tilman Feetitta said he had done his diligence on Udoka before hiring him on a lucrative deal.
Udoka added: ‘Like Tilman alluded to, they’ve done their homework on who I am as a person, and I think that we spent quality time together and getting to know each other and clicked pretty easily and pretty well.’
Wednesday was the first time Udoka, 45, has spoken publicly about the situation that cost him his job at the Boston Celtics.
Udoka guided the Celtics to a surprising NBA Finals place last season, and was replaced as head coach of the team by former assistant Joe Mazzula.
Rockets general manager Rafael Stone said in a statement on Tuesday night: ‘We are excited to welcome Ime to the Houston Rockets.
‘Ime’s intelligence, drive and toughness were the traits we were looking for in a coach to lead our team through this next stage of our development as we strive to become a champion.
‘We were honored to have the opportunity to speak to multiple outstanding candidates throughout the interview process and felt that Ime’s vision best aligned with the goals the (team-owning) Fertitta Family and myself have for the future of the Rockets.’