After a significant workplace scandal involving Ime Udoka and a female Celtics staff member, which created quite a stir for his former partner Nia Long, Udoka has shared that he and Long are currently on “good terms.” This comes three years after the controversy that impacted their relationship.
In a recent conversation with The Cut for their October/November 2025 cover story, Long discussed how she and Udoka, now 48, are focusing on co-parenting their 13-year-old son, Kez. According to her, they’ve managed to move past the turmoil following Udoka’s 2022 scandal.
“This summer, I traveled with my youngest son and my ex, Ime. We had such a great time together,” Long recalled. “I’ve never walked so much in my life! It was a very public journey that led us to find peace and understanding, and we have a lot of respect for each other now.” Long, who is 54, emphasized how crucial it is to heal from past hurts for their children’s sake.
Long and Udoka were together for 13 years before their split in December 2022. This came a few months after Udoka was suspended for a year by the Celtics due to allegations of having a consensual, inappropriate relationship with a staff member. Joe Mazzula, who was then an assistant, took over as interim head coach that season and secured the position permanently in February 2023.
A couple of months later, Udoka was appointed head coach by the Houston Rockets.
Long, who gave birth to Kez in 2011, initially sought full custody in August 2023. By January 2024, they reached a custody and child support agreement, with Udoka agreeing to pay her $32,500 a month, as reported in court documents.
According to Long, “There’s still more to heal and more to understand,” but she also acknowledges that “the past is the past.” She expressed, “I won’t carry any negative energy because it can affect my kids and everything else. I’m proud of how we are co-parenting, especially as we navigate these important years in Kez’s life.” She added that they will support him all the way to graduation.
Long further elaborated on her role as a mother, saying, “I often talk about my children; they fill my life and heart. I’m not perfect, far from it… but my love for them is unwavering. If I’m upset, everyone notices. It’s about balancing their innocence while also showing them the reality of situations.”
Long has another son, Massai, from a previous relationship. As for Udoka, he is in his third year with the Rockets, who concluded their last season with a 52-30 record, even making it to the playoffs. The team is gearing up for their season opener on the road against the champion Oklahoma City Thunder on October 21st.
