IME UDOKA

As the Utah Jazz spent time talking to candidates to become their next coach, Will Hardy quickly rose to the top of their list.

A person with knowledge of the negotiations says Boston Celtics assistant Will Hardy has accepted an offer to become the coach of the Utah Jazz.

NBA Finals Warriors Celtics Basketball Boston Celtics guard Derrick White, left, and Boston Celtics forward Grant Williams (12) react in the closing second against the Golden State Warriors during Game 6 of basketball's NBA Finals, Thursday, June 16, 2022, in Boston. Let this fuel you throughout the offseason into next year.”When Udoka took over the coaching reins from Brad Stevens this past offseason, the Celtics were a team in transition. Stevens, it seemed, had gotten the Celtics as far as he could during eight seasons on the bench. He took Boston to three conference finals but failed to help its youthful core led by budding All-Stars Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown get over the hump. The Celtics took an early 2-1 finals lead on Golden State but ultimately couldn’t sidestep its propensity for self-inflicted mistakes against the Warriors.

The Celtics made an NBA Finals run nobody saw coming, going from a team that was three games under.

Stephen Curry and the Warriors have been within a game of clinching a championship in three of Golden State’s previous five trips to the NBA Finals during his 13-year NBA career.

NBA Finals Celtics Warriors Basketball Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum, middle, shoots against Golden State Warriors forward Andrew Wiggins, rear, and center Kevon Looney (5) during the second half of Game 5 of basketball's NBA Finals in San Francisco, Monday, June 13, 2022. Tired legs have led to shots falling short down the stretch in back-to-back losses that have left the Celtics on the brink of elimination heading into Game 6 of the NBA Finals on Thursday night in Boston. The Celtics missed 11 of 15 shots in the fourth quarter of a 104-94 loss to the Golden State Warriors in Game 5 on Monday night. Give yourself a chance.”The Celtics are the 12th team in NBA history to win Game 7s in back-to-back series before the finals, with nine of the previous 11 losing their next series. Running mate Jaylen Brown went just 1 for 4 in the fourth quarter Monday with both stars playing more than 44 minutes.

The wear and tear from back-to-back seven-game series seems to be taking its toll on the Boston Celtics at the worst possible time.

The Boston Celtics couldn’t make a 3-pointer to start the game and found themselves in a deep hole.

The Boston Celtics couldn't make a 3-pointer to start the game and found themselves in a deep hole. The Celtics went on an outside shooting rollercoaster ride never seen before in the NBA Finals, becoming the first team ever to miss its first 12 shots from long range and then the first team to make eight straight from 3, according to the Elias Sports Bureau. The Celtics will look to turn things around and force a decisive seventh game on Sunday back in San Francisco but will need much more consistency from 3.

NBA Finals Warriors Celtics Basketball Golden State Warriors' Stephen Curry, 30, reacts after hitting a three pointer during the fourth quarter of Game 4 of basketball's NBA Finals, in Boston, Mass., on Friday, June 10, 2022. (Carlos Avila Gonzalez/San Francisco Chronicle via AP) (Carlos Avila Gonzalez)SAN FRANCISCO — (AP) — As the Boston Celtics search for answers in an effort to stop Stephen Curry in these NBA Finals, they know even their best defense won't always be good enough. So, was watching the film session from Friday's game almost as fun for Curry as what he did during it? Thompson's 35.8% shooting is the lowest for any NBA Finals he has played, and he is making just 34.2% from deep — down from 58.5% on 3s in the 2019 finals. CURRY'S KICKSWhen told he is 3-0 in his purple game sneakers, Curry could only laugh and hope he hadn't now been jinxed.

The Boston Celtics realize they must find an answer to Stephen Curry and do a better job making things difficult for the two-time MVP.

Boston's Jayson Tatum disappeared in crunch time during the NBA Finals, contributing to paralyzing fourth-quarter scoring drought as the Celtics squandered an opportunity to take stranglehold on the series.

Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry says there's no doubt that he'll play in Game 4 of the NBA Finals against Boston.

There was a time when the narrative surrounding Jaylen Brown was that he was a redundant player on a Celtics team shaping its identity around budding superstar Jayson Tatum.

Jayson Tatum found his scoring touch after a rare poor shooting night in Game 1 of the NBA Finals but it was the rest of his Boston Celtics teammates who went missing.

In Game 1, Boston showed its resilience.

Al Attles and Lenny Wilkens were the next two Black coaches to get opportunities; they would eventually become champions as well. But most of those Black coaches have either lasted in their first job no more than three years or not gotten a second chance at leading a team. Out of that meeting, the NBA Coaches Equality Initiative was born. There are three Black coaches in the NFL: Pittsburgh’s Mike Tomlin, Houston’s Lovie Smith and Tampa Bay’s Todd Bowles. “I’m particularly proud of numbers and roughly 50% of our head coaches are Black now, the goal is that that's not newsworthy," Silver said.

In the last 12 months, eight coaching jobs have been filled by Black candidates — and for the first time, half the league’s franchises, 15 of the 30, have Black head coaches. Al Attles and Lenny Wilkens were the next two Black coaches to get opportunities; they would eventually become champions as well. But most of those Black coaches have either lasted in their first job no more than three years or not gotten a second chance at leading a team. Out of that meeting, the NBA Coaches Equality Initiative was born. There are three Black coaches in the NFL — Pittsburgh’s Mike Tomlin, Houston’s Lovie Smith and Tampa Bay’s Todd Bowles.

The last 12 months have been a transformative year in the NBA when it comes to diversity among coaches.

Jaylen Brown is starting the NBA Finals on the road.

Celtics Heat Basketball Boston Celtics head coach Ime Udoka speaks to Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) and guard Jaylen Brown (7) during the second half of Game 1 of an NBA basketball Eastern Conference finals playoff series against the Miami Heat, Tuesday, May 17, 2022, in Miami. “He’s taught us things that we could learn and we taught him things,” point guard Marcus Smart said. That’s just how it is, and that’s just the team we are, and that’s the mentality we picked up from him. Along the way the Celtics brought in All-Stars like Kyrie Irving and Kemba Walker. As the Celtics prepare to return to the Finals, Udoka is adamant that this group hasn’t reached its peak.

The Celtics’ transition from a team that has gone from just outside the top tier of the Eastern Conference to one that's four wins way from the franchise’s 18th NBA championship began the moment Ime Udoka took the microphone at his introductory news conference.

Al Horford is turning 36 this week.

And now, Udoka and Kerr are about to go head-to-head — in the NBA Finals. The title matchup is set: It’ll be Udoka and the Eastern Conference champion Boston Celtics facing Kerr and the Western Conference champion Golden State Warriors, a series that begins Thursday night in San Francisco. We made a commitment on the defensive end," said Celtics forward Al Horford, who, after 141 playoff games, is headed to the NBA Finals for the first time. It’s also a rematch of the 1964 finals, when Bill Russell and the Celtics topped the Warriors in five games. “You can’t take it for granted,” Curry said after the West title series.

Somewhere, Gregg Popovich must be pleased.

Heat Celtics Basketball Miami Heat's Jimmy Butler hugs P.J. Tucker (17) after the Heat defeated the Boston Celtics 111-103 during Game 6 of the NBA basketball playoffs Eastern Conference finals Friday, May 27, 2022, in Boston. With a victory at home Sunday, the Heat would advance to the NBA Finals for the second time in three years. Boston's Jaylen Brown scored 20 points, missing a pair of free throws with the game tied at 99 after Lowry fouled out. James' 45 against Boston in Game 6 of the 2012 conference finals set the stage for a Game 7 win in Miami.

Heat Celtics Basketball Miami Heat's Bam Adebayo (13) screens Boston Celtics' Marcus Smart (36) as Tyler Herro, left, drives during the second half of Game 3 of the NBA basketball Eastern Conference finals playoff series, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Boston. The reigning sixth man of the year hasn't played since Game 3 of the Heat's matchup with the Celtics. “He’s not quite ready, to step into this kind of intensity of a game,” Spoelstra said. Boston coach Ime Udoka said Marcus Smart (sprained right ankle) and Robert Williams III (left knee soreness) are both game time decisions. ___More AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/NBA and https://twitter.com/AP_SportsCopyright 2022 The Associated Press.

Heat guard Tyler Herro remained sidelined because of a strained left groin as Miami tries to stave off elimination in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference finals.

Jaylen Brown scored 25 points, Jayson Tatum added 22 and the Boston Celtics moved to the brink of a berth in the NBA Finals, running away after halftime to beat the Miami Heat 93-80 and take a 3-2 lead in the Eastern Conference title series.

The Eastern Conference finals between the Heat and Celtics are as close as can be, heading back to Miami all tied up at two wins apiece.

Heat Celtics Basketball Miami Heat's Bam Adebayo (13) screens Boston Celtics' Marcus Smart (36) as Tyler Herro, left, drives during the second half of Game 3 of the NBA basketball Eastern Conference finals playoff series, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Boston. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer) (Michael Dwyer)BOSTON — (AP) — Celtics point guard and Defensive Player of the Year Marcus Smart was ruled out for Game 4 of the Eastern Conference finals against Miami, joining Heat guard Tyler Herro on the sidelines for Monday night's game. The Celtics said about an hour before the scheduled tipoff that Smart was out with a sprained right ankle. Herro, who missed the final eight minutes of the Heat's 109-103 victory in Game 3, is one of several Miami players who left the game nursing ailments. He was questionable for Game 4 along with Kyle Lowry (strained left hamstring), Max Strus (strained hamstring), Gabe Vincent (strained left hamstring) and P.J.

Celtics point guard and Defensive Player of the Year Marcus Smart was ruled out for Game 4 of the Eastern Conference finals against Miami.

Celtics Heat Basketball Boston Celtics center Robert Williams III (44) handles the ball as Miami Heat forward P.J. Tucker (17) defends during the first half of Game 2 of the NBA basketball Eastern Conference finals playoff series, Thursday, May 19, 2022, in Miami. Lowry is dealing with a right hamstring strain and Tucker left knee irritation. Lowry hasn’t played since Game 4 of Miami’s second-round series with Philadelphia. Williams missed three games during Boston’s second-round series against Milwaukee with soreness and a bone bruise in his surgically repaired knee.

The Celtics will be without center Robert Williams III for Game 3 of their Eastern Conference finals matchup with the Heat due to soreness and swelling in his left knee.

The Boston Celtics got outworked by the Miami Heat in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals but returned the favor in Game 2.

Jayson Tatum scored 27 points, Marcus Smart and Jaylen Brown each scored 24 and the Boston Celtics dominated the first half to roll past the Miami Heat 127-102 and tie the Eastern Conference finals at a game apiece.

(AP Photo/Steven Senne) (Steven Senne)MIAMI — (AP) — Al Horford is back. The Boston Celtics are closer to whole for the Eastern Conference finals. Horford missed Game 1 because of those protocols, related to the coronavirus, and Smart missed the series opener because of a mid-foot sprain. Derrick White, who started and played 29 minutes in Boston's 118-107 loss in Game 1 to Miami on Tuesday, will not play in Game 2. “We weren’t prepared to be playing without Al,” Boston center Daniel Theis said.

The Boston Celtics were hoping to have at least one of their missing starters back for Game 2 of the Eastern Conference finals Thursday night. Smart's mid-foot sprain has improved to the point where the Celtics are expecting he can play in the series' second game against the Miami Heat. And White, who started and played 29 minutes in Boston’s 118-107 loss in Game 1 to Miami on Tuesday, will not play in Game 2. He tried to get ready in time to play Game 1 on Tuesday, to no avail. “He looked good," Celtics guard Grant Williams said after the team's Thursday morning shootaround practice.

Al Horford and Marcus Smart are coming back.

Things have been working out just fine so far in this postseason for Jimmy Butler and the top-seeded Miami Heat.

Jimmy Butler scored 41 points, and the Miami Heat turned things around with a huge third quarter on the way to beating the shorthanded Boston Celtics 118-107 in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals on Tuesday night.

Bucks Celtics Basketball Boston Celtics head coach Ime Udoka, left, speaks with Celtics guard Marcus Smart, right, as the team leads the Milwaukee Bucks during the second half of Game 7 of an NBA basketball Eastern Conference semifinals playoff series, Sunday, May 15, 2022, in Boston. (AP Photo/Steven Senne) (Steven Senne)MIAMI — (AP) — Boston will be without two starters for Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals, with Al Horford entering the NBA's health and safety protocols and Marcus Smart unable to play because of a mid-foot sprain. The Celtics announced those updates Tuesday night, about three hours before the series opener against the Miami Heat. Smart injured his foot on Sunday, in Game 7 of Boston's East semifinals win over Milwaukee. The veteran forward averaged 13.0 points and a team-best 10.4 rebounds in the Celtics' seven-game win over Milwaukee, starting all those contests.

Boston will be without two starters for Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals, with Al Horford entering the NBA’s health and safety protocols and Marcus Smart unable to play because of a mid-foot sprain.

Spoelstra coaches the Miami Heat, Udoka is in his first season coaching the Boston Celtics, and one of them will be representing the Eastern Conference in the NBA Finals. Game 1 of the East title series is Tuesday night, the top-seeded Heat playing host to the second-seeded Celtics. It’s a rematch of the 2020 East finals, held in the restart bubble at Walt Disney World, when Miami topped Boston 4-2 to earn a berth in the NBA Finals. HEAD-TO-HEADBoston won the regular season series 2-1; the Celtics went 1-0 at Miami and the teams split two games at Boston. NEW LOOKOf the players Miami gave minutes to in the 2020 East finals, only four — Butler, Tyler Herro, Bam Adebayo and Duncan Robinson — remain on the roster.

Boston Celtics coach Ime Udoka and Miami Heat coach Erik Spoelstra have enormous respect for each other and a bond that stems from their shared history in the sport.

Grant Williams scored a career-high 27 points and hit seven 3-pointers, Jayson Tatum added 23 and the Boston Celtics set a Game 7 record with 22 3-pointers to eliminate the NBA champion Milwaukee Bucks 109-81 on Sunday in the Eastern Conference semifinals.

The NBA’s long regular season can be tedious, but make no mistake, it matters.

Jayson Tatum scored 46 points, outdueling Giannis Antetokounmpo and making sure there wouldn’t be another Milwaukee Bucks fourth-quarter comeback, and the Boston Celtics beat the defending champions 108-95 to force a seventh game in their Eastern Conference semifinal.

The Milwaukee Bucks want to build off the momentum from a thrilling comeback.

Al Horford and Jayson Tatum scored 30 points each and led the Boston Celtics’ fourth-quarter comeback in a 116-108 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks that tied their Eastern Conference semifinal at two games apiece.

Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 42 points and made the go-ahead basket with 44.3 seconds left and the Milwaukee Bucks withstood a frantic flurry of shots in the final seconds to beat the Boston Celtics 103-101 on Saturday in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference semifinal.

Milwaukee Bucks forward Khris Middleton will miss at least two more games in the Eastern Conference semifinal series with the Boston Celtics as he recovers from a sprained medial collateral ligament in his left knee.

Jaylen Brown scored 25 of his 30 points in the first half, and the Boston Celtics beat the Milwaukee Bucks 109-86 to even their second-round playoff at one game apiece.

Game 1 showed that whoever wins the 1-on-1 scoring battle between Memphis’ Ja Morant and Stephen Curry of the Warriors doesn’t mean their team will win the game or their Western Conference semifinal.

Giannis Antetokounmpo had his second career postseason triple-double to lead the Milwaukee Bucks to a 101-89 victory over the Boston Celtics in Game 1 of their second-round playoff series.

They enter their second-round matchup with the defending champion Milwaukee Bucks playing their best basketball of the season. Udoka said their performance against a high-quality Nets team that wasn’t a typical No. We’re not running from people.”That includes embracing the challenge of trying to slow reigning NBA Finals MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Bucks. “We alll know what Giannis is capable of, what he’s done, what he’s doing and what he’s gonna try to do,” Smart said. NO PAIN FOR WILLIAMSUdoka said Williams didn’t experience any pain in his surgically repaired left knee after returning to the court for the final two games of the Brooklyn series.

The only team to register a first-round sweep, the Boston Celtics enter their Eastern Conference semifinals matchup with the defending champion Milwaukee Bucks loaded with confidence.

Nets Celtics Basketball Brooklyn Nets' Seth Curry, right, commits a flagrant foul on Boston Celtics' Jayson Tatum during the first half of Game 2 of an NBA basketball first-round Eastern Conference playoff series Wednesday, April 20, 2022, in Boston. Jayson Tatum added 19 points for the Celtics, who held Kevin Durant without a basket in the second half. Durant and Irving were a combined 1 for 17 in the second half. It was part of 23-4 run that grew the Celtics’ lead to 108-96. “I think our intensity dropped a little bit in the second half.

Jaylen Brown scored 22 points, including 10 in the fourth quarter, and the Boston Celtics rallied from 17 points down to beat the Brooklyn Nets 114-107 and take a 2-0 lead in their first-round series.

Timberwolves Celtics Basketball Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown (7) drives toward the basket past Minnesota Timberwolves guard Jordan McLaughlin (6) in the first half of an NBA basketball game, Sunday, March 27, 2022, in Boston. We’re not concerned about that,” the rookie head coach said on Sunday after the Celtics cruised past the Minnesota Timberwolves 134-112 and climbed to the top of the Eastern Conference. The Celtics won for the 24th time in their last 28 games and, combined with the 76ers loss to Phoenix, took over the No. The Celtics scored 13 of the first 15 points in the second quarter to open a double-digit lead they never relinquished. OUTThe Celtics were without forward Al Horford, who missed the game for undisclosed personal reasons and is unlikely for Monday night in Toronto.

Jayson Tatum scored 34 points and Jaylen Brown had 31 points and 10 rebounds to help the Boston Celtics coast to a 134-112 over the Minnesota Timberwolves and take over the top spot in the Eastern Conference.

Luka Doncic returned from a hamstring scare to hit a tying 3-pointer with a 1:21 left, Spencer Dinwiddie made the winner with nine seconds to play and the Dallas Mavericks spoiled Kevin Garnett’s special day by beating the Boston Celtics 95-92 on Sunday.

Gregg Popovich became the winningest coach in NBA regular-season history, getting his 1,336th victory when the San Antonio Spurs rallied to beat the Utah Jazz 104-102.

Jaylen Brown scored 26 points and the Boston Celtics played solid defense in a 116-83 victory over the Orlando Magic for their season-best fifth straight win.

CNBC sports business reporter Jabari Young experienced the Jan. 10 NBA courtside game between the Celtics and Pacers on the Oculus 2 headset.

The Boston Celtics say Hall of Famer Sam Jones has died at the age of 88.

Jaylen Brown scored 34 points and the Boston Celtics beat depleted Cleveland 111-101 on Wednesday night to end the Cavaliers’ winning streak at six.

The Boston Celtics signed 40-year-old Joe Johnson to a 10-day contract Wednesday.

Jayson Tatum scored 16 of his 42 points in the fourth quarter and the Boston Celtics beat the Milwaukee Bucks 117-103.

LeBron James scored 30 points and the Los Angeles Lakers beat the Boston Celtics 117-102 in the latest chapter of the NBA’s most storied rivalry.

Now the Nets forward is looking down at the Hall of Famer from the top 25 of the NBA's all-time scoring list. “I’ve just got to keep going.”Patty Mills scored 23, and James Harden had 20 points and 11 assists for Brooklyn. They scored 18 of the first 21 points in the third and led 97-68 before Boston scored the last eight points of the quarter. Boston scored the first eight points in the fourth to cut it to 97-85. ... Harden stopped by the Boston bench before the game to say hello to Udoka, who was a Nets assistant last season.

He did say Monday during NBA media day that all members of the Indiana coaching staff are fully vaccinated. Training camps open Tuesday and the pandemic will affect a third NBA season and already means some players will be missing on media day. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis, Pool, File) (Ashley Landis)The latest from NBA media day on Monday (All times EDT)___4:15 p.m.Kawhi Leonard is heading into his third season with the Los Angeles Clippers just trying to get healthy. 2) don’t feel right.”___12:45 p.m.Kyrie Irving joined Brooklyn Nets media day via Zoom, repeatedly asking for privacy when pressed about his vaccination status. Training camps open Tuesday and the pandemic will affect a third NBA season and already means some players will be missing on media day.

The NBA season arrived Monday with media days in advance of training camp, with the ongoing pandemic as much if not even more of a topic than basketball. Irving is among the individuals at the center of that debate in the NBA right now. Irving wasn't at media day in Brooklyn on Monday, instead appearing remotely and refusing to say if he plans to play in home games. Added Nets forward Kevin Durant, at media day: “That’s on Kyrie. Phoenix’s Devin Booker wasn’t at Suns media day, already in the league’s health and safety protocols — indicating some sort of testing or contact-tracing issue.

He did say Monday during NBA media day that all members of the Indiana coaching staff are fully vaccinated. Training camps open Tuesday and the pandemic will affect a third NBA season and already means some players will be missing on media day. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis, Pool, File) (Ashley Landis)The latest from NBA media day on Monday (All times EDT)___3:30 p.m.New Dallas coach Jason Kidd is already thinking of ways to tell Luka Doncic he has help on the roster. 2) don’t feel right.”___12:45 p.m.Kyrie Irving joined Brooklyn Nets media day via Zoom, repeatedly asking for privacy when pressed about his vaccination status. Training camps open Tuesday and the pandemic will affect a third NBA season and already means some players will be missing on media day.

He did say Monday during NBA media day that all members of the Indiana coaching staff are fully vaccinated. Training camps open Tuesday and the pandemic will affect a third NBA season and already means some players will be missing on media day. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis, Pool, File) (Ashley Landis)The latest from NBA media day on Monday (All times EDT)___2:45 p.m.As the Houston Rockets attempt to find a trade destination for John Wall, he's focused on helping the team any way he can. General manager Rafael Stone said they aren’t looking to buy out Wall’s contract but want to find a suitable trade. Training camps open Tuesday and the pandemic will affect a third NBA season and already means some players will be missing on media day.

He did say Monday during NBA media day that all members of the Indiana coaching staff are fully vaccinated. Training camps open Tuesday and the pandemic will affect a third NBA season and already means some players will be missing on media day. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis, Pool, File) (Ashley Landis)The latest from NBA media day on Monday (All times EDT)___1:15 p.m.Nate McMillan has a familiar face on his coaching staff as he heads into his first full season as the Atlanta Hawks coach. Jamelle McMillan joins the Hawks staff this season after serving previously as an assistant with the New Orleans Pelicans. 2) don’t feel right.”___12:45 p.m.Kyrie Irving joined Brooklyn Nets media day via Zoom, repeatedly asking for privacy when pressed about his vaccination status.

He did say Monday during NBA media day that all members of the Indiana coaching staff are fully vaccinated. Training camps open Tuesday and the pandemic will affect a third NBA season and already means some players will be missing on media day. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis, Pool, File) (Ashley Landis)The latest from NBA media day on Monday (All times EDT)___1 p.m.NBA Rookie of the Year LaMelo Ball is pushing the NBA to allow him to switch his jersey number, but he’s not had any success. 1 is just me,” Ball said at the Hornets media day. 2) don’t feel right.”___12:45 p.m.Kyrie Irving joined Brooklyn Nets media day via Zoom, repeatedly asking for privacy when pressed about his vaccination status.

Media Day Basketball FILE - The NBA logo in shown on a basketball court in Lake Buena Vista, Fla., in this Friday, Aug. 28, 2020, file photo. He did say Monday during NBA media day that all members of the Indiana coaching staff are fully vaccinated. Training camps open Tuesday and the pandemic will affect a third NBA season and already means some players will be missing on media day. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis, Pool, File) (Ashley Landis)The latest from NBA media day on Monday (All times EDT)___12:45 p.m.Kyrie Irving joined Brooklyn Nets media day via Zoom, repeatedly asking for privacy when pressed about his vaccination status. ___11:10 a.m.New Celtics coach Ime Udoka has a breakthrough case of COVID-19 and participated in the team’s media day on Monday through Zoom.

He did say Monday during NBA media day that all members of the Indiana coaching staff are fully vaccinated. Training camps open Tuesday and the pandemic will affect a third NBA season and already means some players will be missing on media day. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis, Pool, File) (Ashley Landis)The latest from NBA media day on Monday (All times EDT)___11:15 a.m.As expected, Ben Simmons will not report to the Philadelphia 76ers when they open training camp on Tuesday. ___11:10 a.m.New Celtics coach Ime Udoka has a breakthrough case of COVID-19 and participated in the team’s media day on Monday through Zoom. Celtics spokesman Christian Megliola said the coach, who is vaccinated, was asymptomatic and in the last day of his 10-day quarantine.

BOSTON — (AP) — The Boston Celtics have hired Brooklyn Nets assistant Ime Udoka to be their new coach, a person familiar with the decision told The Associated Press on Wednesday. Udoka, 43, spent seven years on Gregg Popovich's staff in San Antonio, including the 2013-14 season, when the Spurs won the NBA title. He joined the Philadelphia 76ers in 2019 and was with the Nets last year. Udoka replaces Brad Stevens, who stepped away from the bench and into the front office when Danny Ainge retired this month. ___More AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/NBA and https://twitter.com/AP_SportsCopyright 2021 The Associated Press.