The Celtics held their annual media day Monday, but their head coach wasn’t present in-person. First-year Celtics coach Ime Udoka tested positive for COVID-19 in a breakthrough case, according to the team.

Udoka was in his 10th day of isolation Monday, meaning he’ll be out of quarantine for the start of training camp on Tuesday. The Celtics said Udoka was vaccinated and, as of Monday, he was asymptomatic.

Udoka joined Boston’s staff after Brad Stevens was promoted to president of basketball operations. After a coaching search, Stevens decided on his successor on Udoka. He had a busy offseason traveling to Tokyo for the 2020 Olympics, coaching up Celtics star Jayson Tatum from afar.

MARCUS SMART was blunt when asked about the COVID-19 vaccine and what his thoughts were on it. Several star players around the league are reportedly unvaccinated just weeks away from the start of the season. That threatens to affect franchises where local ordinances mean unvaccinated players will miss home games.

While there are no such local laws that would force Celtics players to miss games at TD Garden, they’re still looking to get to the 100% vaccination mark. Some players have chosen not to get the shot.

Smart said during media day on Monday “it’s tough being told what you can and can’t do with your body,” adding that he respects everyone’s opinions. But for the longest-tenured Celtic and emotional leader, he said there were multiple reasons why he got the shot.

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“I chose to get vaccinated because, quite frankly, I didn’t feel like dealing with the BS that was revolving around it,” Smart said. “That was my decision. I stand by anybody who makes their own decision to feel what they feel best for themselves. Understanding that unfortunately, in certain situations like how hard the league’s going to make it for people who are unvaccinated.”

Stevens said they’re looking to get as close to that 100% mark as possible. He said the organization is doing everything it can from an educational standpoint ahead of the season.

The Celtics were affected heavily last year because of the virus as health and safety protocols forced players to miss games in droves. They were one of the league leaders in player days lost as COVID-19 had a heavy impact on the players and team.

Smart said he also chose to get the vaccine because he didn’t want any doubts on his availability because of the virus.

“I chose to get vaccinated because I didn’t want to deal with the BS and I didn’t feel like causing my team any disparity when it comes to me not being available,” Smart said. “I respect everyone’s decision, pro or against.”


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