Celtics aim to suspend head coach, source says

The Boston Celtics are planning to discipline coach Ime Udoka, likely with a suspension, because of an improper relationship with a member of the organization, two people with knowledge of the matter told The Associated Press on Thursday.

The people spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because the reigning Eastern Conference champions have not revealed any details publicly. The exact punishment, including the length of the possible suspension, has not been determined.

One of the people said the Celtics have decided that assistant coach Joe Mazzulla will take over the team on an interim basis if Udoka is suspended.

ESPN first reported Wednesday night that a suspension was under consideration for the team policy violation. ESPN and The Athletic later reported that the Celtics' investigation revolves around whether Udoka had an inappropriate relationship with a member of the organization.

Losing Udoka would be a significant blow to a team that is widely considered among the favourites to contend for an NBA title this season, after falling only two games short of winning the championship last season in his debut year.

The Celtics open training camp on Tuesday. If Udoka — who was fourth in the NBA'S coach of the year balloting last season — will not be allowed to lead the team, it would add to a run of issues the club is facing as formal practices begin.

Philadelphia Flyers defenceman Ryan Ellis, limited to just four games last season, is unlikely to play in 2022-23.

General manager Chuck Fletcher, talking to reporters on the opening day of training camp on Thursday, detailed the injury plaguing Ellis as one involving his hip, psoas and adductor and said it could be career-threatening.

The psoas are large muscles that run from the lumbar spine through the groin.

The team hadn't revealed much about Ellis' injuries since he last played on Nov. 13.

Ellis, 31, was the No. 11 overall pick by the Nashville Predators in the 2009 draft. The Flyers acquired him in a three-team trade involving the Predators and Vegas Golden Knights on July 17, 2021.

In his four games in a Flyers uniform, he had one goal and four assists.

In 562 games with Nashville (2011-21), Ellis tallied 270 points (75 goals, 195 assists), with 16 game-winning goals and a plus114 rating.