Jeff Van Gundy calls suspended Celtics coach Ime Udoka ‘a terrific man’ on ESPN

What few details have emerged about the reasons for Ime Udoka’s unprecedented punishment haven’t painted the suspended Celtics coach in a good light. That didn’t stop Jeff Van Gundy from calling him a “terrific man” on Friday’s ESPN broadcast of Boston’s win over the Miami Heat.

Udoka will sit out at least the year for multiple violations of franchise policies according to the team. Multiple reports said that decision was related to inappropriate interactions with a Celtics female staff member. Udoka will sit out all of 2022-23 and the team will re-evaluate him after that.

Van Gundy said he didn’t know anything about the details of suspension but vouched for Udoka anyway.

“I want to make sure, because I feel strongly about this. Ime Udoka, I don’t know everything about that situation, but I know there’s a way back,” Van Gundy said. “And I’m not condoning or condemning anything that he did. Like I said, I don’t know anything about that situation, other than Ime Udoka, I worked with (him) for two years with USA Basketball.

”And he’s proven obviously to be a terrific, terrific coach, but beyond that, I know how he treated me, that’s how I judge people,” the former Knicks and Rockets coach continued. “I think he’s a terrific man. Whether it’s with the Celtics or some other team, people insinuating that he’ll never get another opportunity, I think are dead wrong. He will be back, and I think he will be better than ever.”

Former assistant coach Joe Mazzulla has been elevated to interim head coach to replace Udoka at least for the 2022-23 season. The Celtics have started the season 2-0.

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