Houston Rockets head coach Ime Udoka recently shared a personal story about his former mentor, Gregg Popovich, following Popovich's decision to step down from his coaching role with the San Antonio Spurs.
Udoka recounted the moment he informed Popovich he had accepted the head coaching position with the Boston Celtics. Speaking to Sam Amick, Udoka described the call.
"I had interviewed for three or four years and missed a few opportunities that were close," Udoka said of his coaching search. "So I call him on FaceTime and say, 'Boston offered me the job,' and he's on the treadmill walking when he gets choked up."
Udoka detailed Popovich's reaction during the call. "You see him looking, and he starts crying, and he had to hang up," Udoka stated. "He was like, 'I'll call you back.' He broke down. His voice is cracking. And he hung up." Udoka shared this sweet story as tributes followed the news.
Ime Udoka played for the San Antonio Spurs from 2007 to 2009. He later joined Popovich's staff as an assistant coach from 2012 through 2019.
Popovich stepped down from coaching this week, transitioning to the role of president of basketball operations for the Spurs organization. His decision came after suffering a stroke in November.
The story Udoka told Sam Amick offers insight into the relationship between the two coaches despite Popovich's public demeanor.
Udoka is now using lessons learned during his time in San Antonio and while coaching the Boston Celtics in his current role with the Houston Rockets.
