Career Timeline of Ime Udoka: Major Achievements and Milestones

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Ime Udoka made an impact.

Ime Udoka is a Nigerian-American professional basketball coach and former player, currently the head coach for the Houston Rockets. He played for Nigeria internationally. He previously served as an assistant coach for several NBA teams, including the San Antonio Spurs. Udoka became head coach of the Boston Celtics, leading them to the 2022 NBA Finals. However, he was suspended for the 2022-23 season due to an inappropriate relationship with a team employee. He was subsequently hired by the Rockets in April 2023.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

2000: Started professional basketball career

In 2000, after going undrafted in the NBA draft, Ime Udoka began his professional basketball career with Fargo-Moorhead Beez.

2001: Played with Fargo-Moorhead Beez

From 2000 to 2001, Ime Udoka played with Fargo-Moorhead Beez.

2001: Played with Independiente

In 2001, Ime Udoka played with Independiente.

2002: Played with North Charleston Lowgators

From 2002, Ime Udoka played with the North Charleston Lowgators.

2002: Drafted by Charleston Lowgators

In 2002, Ime Udoka was drafted by the Charleston Lowgators with the 39th overall pick in the NBDL Draft.

2003: Played with Adirondack Wildcats

In 2003, Ime Udoka played with the Adirondack Wildcats.

2003: Played with North Charleston Lowgators

Until 2003, Ime Udoka played with the North Charleston Lowgators.

January 14, 2004: Signed with Los Angeles Lakers

On January 14, 2004, Ime Udoka signed a 10-day contract with the Los Angeles Lakers.

2005: Played for Nigeria in FIBA Africa Championships

In 2005, Ime Udoka played for Nigeria in the FIBA Africa Championships and won a bronze medal.

2005: Drafted by Fort Worth Flyers

In 2005, after a stint in Europe, Ime Udoka was drafted third overall by the Fort Worth Flyers in the NBDL Draft.

April 6, 2006: Signed with New York Knicks

On April 6, 2006, Ime Udoka signed with the New York Knicks.

2006: Joined Portland Trail Blazers

In 2006, Ime Udoka joined his hometown Portland Trail Blazers after being invited to training camp and impressing the coaching staff.

2006: Led Nigeria in FIBA Championships

In 2006, Ime Udoka led the Nigeria national team in scoring, assists, and steals at the FIBA World Championships.

2007: Signed with San Antonio Spurs

In 2007, Ime Udoka signed with the San Antonio Spurs.

September 25, 2009: Re-signed with Trail Blazers

On September 25, 2009, Ime Udoka re-signed with the Portland Trail Blazers, but was later waived.

November 4, 2009: Signed with Sacramento Kings

On November 4, 2009, Ime Udoka signed with the Sacramento Kings.

November 24, 2010: Re-signed with Spurs

On November 24, 2010, Ime Udoka re-signed with the San Antonio Spurs.

2010: First NBA Finals Appearance Since 2010

In 2022, The Celtics made their first NBA Finals appearance since 2010.

January 5, 2011: Waived by Spurs

On January 5, 2011, Ime Udoka was waived by the San Antonio Spurs.

December 15, 2011: Signed with New Jersey Nets

On December 15, 2011, Ime Udoka signed with the New Jersey Nets, but was waived shortly after and did not play any games.

2011: Played for Nigeria in FIBA Africa Championships

In 2011, Ime Udoka played for Nigeria in the FIBA Africa Championships and won a bronze medal.

January 5, 2012: Signed with UCAM Murcia

On January 5, 2012, Ime Udoka signed with UCAM Murcia of the Spanish Liga ACB.

August 28, 2012: Hired as Assistant Coach by Spurs

On August 28, 2012, Ime Udoka was hired by the San Antonio Spurs as an assistant coach under Gregg Popovich.

2012: Same staff as Brett Brown in 2012

In 2012, both Udoka and Brett Brown were on the same staff. Brown was also Udoka's head coach on the 76ers at the time.

2014: Won NBA Championship with Spurs

In 2014, Ime Udoka won his first championship as an assistant coach when the San Antonio Spurs defeated the Miami Heat in the NBA Finals.

2015: Key in Aldridge joining Spurs

In 2015, Ime Udoka was key in LaMarcus Aldridge's decision to join the San Antonio Spurs as they were teammates on the Portland Trail Blazers during Aldridge's rookie season.