Nia Long's Fiancé Reportedly Set To Be Brooklyn Nets' New Coach Despite Cheating Scandal

Brooklyn Nets reportedly have Nia Long's beau, Ime Udoka, as their number one option to replace its former head coach Steve Nash.

The Nets relieved Nash of his duties after a rough start to the season and a public outburst that led to his removal from a game. And one name that has been shortlisted to replace the 48-year-old is Udoka, giving the Boston Celtics coach a shot at redemption following his suspension for inappropriate behavior.

It has been reported that the Nets' assistant coach Jacque Vaughn would serve as its interim head coach until Udoka signs the deal and starts the job. Luckily for the 45-year-old, Boston would not oppose the move as it has not asked for compensation for his departure from the professional basketball team.

The Nets hope the team will get a more vigorous defense under Udoka's leadership. Fans would recall that Boston suspended the father-of-two for the 2022-23 season due to an inappropriate relationship with a subordinate before training camp.

Despite that, insiders have claimed that the Celtics had no intention of objecting to Udoka signing on with another team. The Nigerian-American star has some history with his potential employers as he served under Nash for one season in 2020-21. 

After that stint, he became the Celtics' coach and led them to the NBA Finals last season. Udoka also enjoys a long history with the Nets' general manager Sean Marks, which started in 2012 when they worked together with the San Antonio Spurs.

The two-time American Basketball Association champions have been investigating the circumstances surrounding Udoka's suspension. The independent law firm probe into the Portland State alum uncovered allegations that he used crude language during a conversation with a female subordinate before he started the alleged affair that significantly affected the gravity of his suspension.

Although Udoka's journey as the Celtics' head coach began in 2021, he did not waste any time cementing his name in their minds as he led the team to their first NBA finals since 2010. Unfortunately, his slip-up has cost him a lot, including his long-term relationship with Long.

The Blast noted that soon after the news of his improper involvement with a Celtics' staff member broke, Long issued a statement thanking fans for their "outpour of love" during "this difficult time." The 52-year-old also requested that the press and public respect her privacy, acknowledging, "Above all, I am a mother and will continue to focus on my children."

Long and Udoka began dating in 2010, welcoming a child  — Kez Sunday — together in 2011. The actress also has a 21-year-old son — Massai Zhivago Dorsey II — whom she shares with actor Massai Z. Dorsey. The couple has been engaged for years, with Long previously revealing that they were okay with never walking down the aisle. 

Earlier this month, The Blast reported that while the world waited for Long's reaction to her fiancé's cheating allegations, her ex Dorsey had some things to say. The former couple, who met while filming NBC's crime show "Third Watch," has maintained a close relationship, thanks to them co-parenting their son.

In fact, the pair's relationship translated to Udoka and Dorsey being friendly and the latter showing his support for them. In the words of "The Single Moms Club" star, "We talk as a family, and it's all about unconditional love, and that's what she's giving him. We're sticking by him 100%."

Dorsey asserted that he only had nice things to say about the former professional basketball player, referring to him as a "good man." The actor then expressed his happiness that Udoka was in his son's life, adding, "Every man needs another chance. Like the Bible says, the flesh is weak. He's not a bad guy. Hopefully, he's learned from this." The Beverly Hills entrepreneur also stated:

"It's easy to get to the top, but to stay at the top, it takes a different type of person. Right now in this season, you have to be very sensitive with women, unfortunately, because they hold the cards right now."