After Udoka was suspended for the entire 2022–23 season for engaging in an inappropriate relationship with a Celtics female employee, he was hired by the Rockets in April 2023.

[3] After going undrafted in the 2000 NBA draft, Udoka started his professional basketball career by playing with Fargo-Moorhead Beez from 2000 to 2001.

[5] After a stint in Europe, which included a brief summer contract with Žalgiris Kaunas, Lithuanian champions and Euroleague participants, Udoka returned to the United States and was once again drafted in NBDL.

Despite the death of his father during the preseason,[9] Udoka impressed the coaching staff with his defensive skills and made the team.

[8] In his second season with the Spurs, Udoka played in 67 games and started in three, averaging 4.3 points and 2.8 rebounds in 15.4 minutes.

[19] On August 28, 2012, the San Antonio Spurs hired Udoka as an assistant coach under Gregg Popovich.

[20] Udoka won his first championship when the Spurs defeated the Miami Heat in five games during the 2014 NBA Finals.

[25] On June 23, 2021, it was reported that the Boston Celtics had hired Udoka as their head coach, replacing Brad Stevens, who was promoted to President of Basketball Operations earlier that month.

[34][35][36] During the turnaround, Udoka earned two Eastern Conference Coach of the Month awards, one in February and another for March and April.

[37][38] During the playoffs, the Celtics swept the Brooklyn Nets in the first round and then went on to beat the Milwaukee Bucks in seven games during the Eastern Conference Semifinals.

[47][48] Although the Celtics initially believed the relationship was consensual, the woman later accused Udoka of making unwanted comments towards her.

[54] On February 16, 2023, Mazzulla was named the team's permanent head coach after leading the Celtics to a league-best 42–17 record at the NBA All-Star break, signaling the end of Udoka's tenure in Boston.

[33] Udoka also played for Nigeria in the 2005 and 2011 FIBA Africa Championships, winning a bronze medal in both tournaments.

[63] Udoka also coached for Team USA under Popovich at the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, along with Celtics assistant Will Hardy.