In the words of Marcus Smart, "It's been hell" for the Boston Celtics recently, with two of their star players still trying to "process everything" going on.
The Celtics made the NBA finals last year but were beaten by a Stephen Curry masterclass during the series, with the Golden State Warriors claiming the Championship. The Celtics were expected to go again this season, but head coach Ime Udoka has been suspended for the entirety of the upcoming campaign.
Fans were shocked to hear the news after the Celtics released a statement on Thursday, but it turns out that the players themselves weren't really in the know either. Smart stated that they were "caught by surprise", while Jayson Tatum admitted it was "unexpected".
Joe Mazzulla will take over as interim head coach for the 2022/23 season after Udoka was suspended, with the 77th NBA campaign set to get underway on October 18. The Celtics stated that the decision was made after Udoka violated 'team policies', but stressed that a formal decision on his future beyond the upcoming season will be 'made at a later date'.
But this came as a huge surprise to Tatum, Smart and the rest of the Celtics squad, with the two NBA stars telling all in a media day interview. "It's been hell for us," Smart said. "Just caught by surprise because nobody really knows anything.
"We are just like everybody else, for the last couple of days, so it's been confusing." Tatum then was quizzed on the situation, and gave his own account on the situation.
Tatum added: "I guess I feel like everybody else, it's a lot to process. Unexpected, especially coming this close to the season. It's just a lot, and I guess with everybody else I'm just trying to process it all knowing we start practice tomorrow."
Suspended coach Udoka has personally apologised for the stress which has been caused, as a statement read: "I want to apologise to our players, fans, the entire Celtics organisation, and my family for letting them down.
"I am sorry for putting the team in this difficult situation, and I accept the team's decision. Out of respect for everyone involved, I will have no further comment."
Udoka was only appointed by the Celtics in June 2021 as he succeeded Brad Stevens, but has been in coaching since 2012. After playing for San Antonio Spurs for the majority of his career, he joined their coaching staff in 2012.
It's a huge blow for the Celtics, after such a successful season that almost saw them go all the way. Udoka led Boston to a 51-31 record last season, and a stunning end to the campaign saw them win 26 of their final 32 games.
Mazzulla, who will now take over as coach, was brought in by the Celtics in 2019 after impressing at Fighting Falcons in the NCAA division II, with the coach being undrafted in his playing career. But he will now have to step up to the ultimate test.
