Ime Udoka-Nia Long relationship timeline: Celtics coach, actress form NBA power couple

Jordan Greer

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Ime Udoka-Nia Long relationship timeline: Celtics coach, actress form NBA power couple image

Editor's note (Sept. 22, 2022): Ime Udoka is facing a season-long suspension after he reportedly violated organizational guidelines by engaging in an intimate relationship with a female member of the Celtics' staff. The story below was originally published in June 2022.

Ime Udoka played in professional basketball leagues for more than a decade, served as an assistant coach for three NBA teams and led the Celtics to the NBA Finals in his first year as a head coach. That's a pretty impressive resume for someone who turned 45 years old in August.

And yet, Udoka is far from the most famous person in his own household. That honor belongs to his longtime partner, Nia Long.

The 51-year-old actress, who has starred in numerous TV shows and films throughout her career, supported Udoka in person and on social media throughout the 2021-22 season. If you're not familiar with basketball's latest power couple, here's a little bit of background info on the Udoka-Long relationship.

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Ime Udoka-Nia Long relationship timeline

Udoka and Long started dating in 2010. Long gave birth to their son, Kez Sunday Udoka, in November 2011. Long has another son, Massai, from a previous relationship.

"This is the most exciting time in our lives," Udoka and Long said in 2011. "Words can't explain how thrilled we are by the new addition to our family. We feel truly blessed and appreciate all the well wishes and prayers."

After dating for five years, Udoka and Long confirmed that they had gotten engaged in May 2015.

Are Ime Udoka and Nia Long married?

Udoka and Long are not married, and it doesn't seem as though they will tie the knot anytime soon.

During an appearance on Essence's "Yes, Girl!" podcast, Long explained why she has never been married.

"I don't know that I need to say 'I do' to prove to you that I love you," Long said. "But also, what does marriage really [mean]… that you own me now and I own you? I don't get that part.

"I understand the religious aspect of marriage. That is beautiful and it's fantastical and it's dreamy and it's every girl's fantasy to have that moment. But I don't know that I need that to feel like I'm in a partnership that's working."

Nia Long supporting Ime Udoka during 2021-22 season

Long instantly became a diehard Celtics fan after Udoka took the job. She told Essence that she is Udoka's "biggest cheerleader," adding that the family was "super happy and excited" to see him finally reach his goal.

"I've watched the sacrifices he's made personally and the sacrifices we've made as a family, and now it's go time, and I just know he's going to be great because he's so disciplined," Long said. "I've never seen anyone so disciplined. Honestly, I've never met anyone so disciplined. He sets a target and that's what it is, and so that is where big success lies, and now he just has to do what he wants to do.

"And the greatest thing is when he's busy I'm busy. When we come together it's like we're in a constant state of dating. And that keeps it fun."

Ime Udoka's first game with Celtics

Ime Udoka's first win with Celtics

Celtics climb to No. 1 in Eastern Conference standings

Celtics advance to 2022 NBA Finals

Jordan Greer

Jordan Greer Photo

Jordan Greer has been with The Sporting News since 2015. He previously worked for the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. He is a graduate of Westminster College and Syracuse University.