Celtics Talk: Should Ime Udoka win Coach of the Year?

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When the Boston Celtics awoke on Jan. 7 at 18-21 and in 11th place in the Eastern Conference, on the outside looking in of even the play-in tournament, it was fair to wonder if Ime Udoka was the right coach for the job.

Roughly two-and-a-half months later, Udoka hasn't only solidified his status along the sidelines for the Celtics, he's made an improbable surge into the NBA Coach of the Year conversation.

On the latest episode of Celtics Talk, Chris Forsberg is joined by Amina Smith, hostess of Celtics Pre and Postgame Live, to take a look at Udoka's candidacy since the Celtics have gone on a 27-7 tear to move within 2.5 games of the first-place Miami Heat for homecourt advantage throughout the Eastern Conference playoffs.

Celtics Talk: Should Ime Udoka win Coach of the Year? | Listen & Subscribe | Watch on YouTube

"When you look at where they were back in January, no one thought that this team would be where they are right now," Smith said. "When you take a look at the turnaround that's happened with this team, and what he's gotten them to buy into, to really tap into another level out there on the court, the ball movement, the basketball IQ rising...that's coaching. I think that's all coming through with what we're seeing.

Forsberg: Chemistry has turned these Celtics into superheroes

Forsberg, noting the issues Udoka inherited which plagued the team near the end of Brad Stevens' tenure, said that it's "usually the story that wins" when it comes to Udoka's candidacy. If the Celtics finish first or second in the East, Forsberg said he could see Udoka winning the award, and that his primary competition at the moment is Erik Spoelstra of the Miami Heat.

The last coach to win the award for Boston was Bill Fitch back in 1979-80, during Larry Bird's rookie season. Only two others have been named Coach of the Year for the Celtics: Tommy Heinsohn (1972-73) and Red Auerbach (1964-65).

Also discussed in the episode: Where does Jayson Tatum rank in the NBA? Is it OK for Grant Williams to give himself a nickname? 

Check out the latest episode of Celtics Talk on the NBC Sports Boston Podcast Network or watch it on YouTube below.

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