At his introductory press conference as the Rockets‘ new head coach, Ime Udoka publicly addressed the events in Boston for the first time since his suspension was announced last fall, writes Jonathan Feigen of The Houston Chronicle. Without revealing many specifics of the incident, Udoka admitted that he made a mistake and said he hopes the experience will ultimately make him a better coach.
“Really, that time off and really a full understanding of how many people you impact with a poor decision, that starts with ownership and accountability,” he said. “I preach that to players. I take responsibility for my part in it. I took leadership and sensitivity training and some counseling with my son to help him improve the situation I put him in. You can grow from adversity — and I think I’ve done that this year — if you … take the right steps.”
Owner Tilman Fertitta said the Rockets received approval from the commissioner’s office before hiring Udoka, who received a four-year, $28.5MM contract. After three years of rebuilding, the organization was eager to add a coach with a proven track record.
“The NBA told me that they felt very comfortable with Ime becoming the coach of the Houston Rockets,” Fertitta said. “That felt good to me after a lengthy conversation. We’re a forgiving society, and everybody makes mistakes.”
There’s more from Houston:
- Udoka should have an immediate influence on the Rockets’ young talent, states Jared Weiss of The Athletic. Weiss expects Udoka to help Jalen Green learn how to slow down his game and play under control, and he envisions Jabari Smith Jr. developing into an exceptional defender in the role that Robert Williams plays in Boston. Weiss points to Kevin Porter Jr. as someone who could either improve under Udoka’s guidance or wind up being shipped to another team.
- With their coaching hire out of the way, the Rockets will turn toward maximizing the roughly $60MM in cap space they’ll have this summer, Feigen adds in another Chronicle article. According to Feigen, the organization is still committed to the core pieces of its rebuilding process — Green and Smith, along with Tari Eason and Alperen Sengun — but Udoka talked about the need for a “different” type of big man. The front office will also prioritize shooting and hopes to add some veterans to an inexperienced roster.
- Fertitta revealed that the Rockets plan to build a new $70MM practice facility, Feigen states in a separate story. It’s expected to be completed for the 2024/25 season.
Copy the skillset of Smith and Green then paste into mindset of Tatum and Brown?
Nothing matters if Rockets are not able to draft #1 pick or sign good free agents?
IMO
3 years later, 8th Wolves are still better than Rockets if Rockets don’t draft the first overall pick
While Pistons with a number 1 sits just as low as Rockets in standing while continue to be in the number 1 lottery pick last 4 years. Number 1 doesn’t necessarily give you that push to an 8th seed or play in. Just saying
I know in article said want Sengun but also a different kind of center. Who would that be. What spot is Wemb is he a center.
I know do not want Harden back. I know he has said wants to play with Green. Plus heard something on sending Green to Toronto.
I do feel we need a veteran or two here. But I do not see Brown leaving Boston after going to playoffs as what 2nd seed this season. Rockets need to start making some moves out of cellar and at least perhaps get to spot could be a play in team. I would take at least that. I want players that want to be here and help. But just do not want Harden to be that player even though he wants to come back here. But whomever Ime brings in as his assistants as well that can really work with these players. I think outside of Ime perhaps who they are will help draw someone here. Hopefully Rockets get the top pick.
Wemby’s versatile, he can play all 5 positions. He can shoot and he’s got the handles to go one one one or attack the basket off the pick and roll. Then there’s that finger roll from deep, good luck guarding that!
I doubt Harden will be back, he’s just looking for his last big contract. I also doubt Wemby will be in Hou, my bet is on Spurs.
The whole Green thing is Stone dangling the carrot if Brown or any other AS at the right age becomes available(likely Trae, which would be a bad idea if Green is lost).
Best way if they don’t luck out in draft for top two, look at fringe stars who could step up, Herro, Maxey, Simons, Michael Porter Jr, Bridges etc. all players that are possible all star+ but not the risk of a max 30+ year old. #3/#4 plus another pick or mix of KPJ, Martin, Christopher, Tate, Garuba isn’t out of the question.
Even take a flyer of players like, Murphy III, Davion Mitchell, Quickley, Jones etc. players who show flashes of talent that will improve the team. Just don’t go for past prime team for 2 year push then back to where we are now watching all the good assets they had perform for other teams a few years later.
Rockets need time is all. Udoka is a good hire. Best thing that can happen to Rockets is #2 pick.
Get the number 2 pick, draft Henderson. Try to draft that Duke center. trade green and porter for some elite SG and or SF. See if Minnesota will accept the offer of Green, Porter and Sengun and a 1st for A Edwards and J McDaniel.
Edwards is going no where and not got that little. He is riding Faster than Biden’s disapproval rating!
Give them Easton too ( I know I spelled his name wrong) and Get T Prince all with the deal above
Who does the NBA have rigged to get Wemby?
San Antonio
“Proven track record”?
One year with a finals calibre roster is not a proven track record…
He’s not proven anything about building with a rebuilding team…
For Wembys sake I hope another team gets #1… Rockets are a dumpster fire…