Ime Udoka understands that the Rockets hired him as their head coach to help the team become competitive again. In an interview with Kelly Iko of The Athletic, Udoka talks about how Houston can take the next step in its development, going from a team of highly rated prospects to a cohesive unit capable of contending for a playoff spot.
Udoka discusses the possibility of using Jalen Green and Jabari Smith in setups similar to what he did with Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown in Boston. He also repeats a message that he emphasized at his introductory press conference — youth won’t be an excuse for failure.
“I want guys that can catch on quickly but also adapt to what we’re trying to do,” Udoka said. “I’m not gonna hold anything back defensively or schematically because we’re a young group, that’d be going against what I’m saying. I want guys to get up to speed quickly, have smart, cerebral players that can do a lot of different things.”
The Rockets will have nearly $60MM in cap space to try to improve their roster this summer, and there have been persistent rumors that James Harden is interested in returning. Udoka said he expects the front office to target free agents who will mix well with the young core already on hand.
“You want to add veterans that aren’t just a voice only, you want them to be out there, play and push the guys,” he said. “But, as I’ve said, regardless of free agency and the draft, we still have a group of guys we want to grow, and we’re looking for internal growth. More so than necessarily looking for an outside guy to try to save the day.”
There’s more from the Southwest Division:
- Nets assistant Royal Ivey will join the Rockets‘ coaching staff, tweets Tim MacMahon of ESPN. Ivey is the first assistant coach to be added since Udoka was hired last month.
- The Spurs are reaping the financial benefits of winning the draft lottery, writes David Rumsey of Front Office Sports. San Antonio fans are thrilled at the prospect of adding Victor Wembanyama, and team employees worked well past midnight Tuesday to handle new season ticket requests.
- The Mavericks are ready to make a “meaningful overhaul” to their roster after missing the playoffs, team sources tell Fred Katz and Tim Cato of The Athletic. Dallas was relieved to keep its first-round pick, which will be 10th overall, in Tuesday’s lottery. The pick remains top-10 protected for the next two years, leaving Dallas with only its 2027 first-rounder to use as a trade asset. The Mavericks were one number away from moving up to fourth in the draft, according to Callie Caplan of The Dallas Morning News.
Rockets will be a playoff team next year guaranteed. In fact, the Rockets will be the next dynasty. They got the talent. Udoka brings the ruckus. Houston ain’t gonna be nothing to f with.
Exactly. Fools no I’m right. That’s why ain’t no one challenge me. I’m the basketball GOD!!!! N
Dumbest move this offseason is to hire Udoka…
Until the Rockets sign Harden…
But inevitably Udoka can’t keep it in his pants.
Rockets plan, imo
Trade away Porter contract for nothing
$80 mm cap room
Sign Harden, Kuzma, Reaves, brook lopoz
Having missed out on a top 3 pick, I now don’t think signing Harden is the worst idea.
Originally I thought their plan should be get Scoot and have him and Jalen in the backcourt which makes Harden unnecessary.
After Harden I’d be looking to add a defensive anchor type centre. Someone that’ll contest everything and who’s offensive skill set isn’t just blocking the paint up either. No offence to Sengun I just think his best qualities are all on offence and if you end up with harden then the offence will be run through him and Sengun isnt as effective.
Maybe they could package, the 4th overall pick, the 20th overall pick, Sengun and JaeSean Tate for Myles Turner and the 7th pick in the draft.
Then you’d look something like
Harden Green Eason Smith Jr and Turner with KPJ as the sixth man.
Turner is now 27, he’s originally born and raised in Texas, the deal he’s currently on is believed to be one of the most movable in the league due to its decreasing structure. I think him moving closer to home at this point in his career on a young team now trying to win makes perfect sense. Yes he had a great season in Indy with Tyrese but he doesn’t fit that timeline and If Indy gets a haul they will let him go. For Houston he’d keep the paint open allowing for less congestion for Jalen and Jabari in particular to finish inside. Defensively we know he will try block everything and does a great job at that. A weakness in his game is the lack of rebounding but everyone else among the starters are above average rebounder for their positions and so you should be fine.
Indy moves up to 4th, also gets 20th aswell as Sengun and Tate. Jarace Walker would be a great pick for them and fill that 4 spot. They’d still also own picks 26, 29, 32 and 55. So they could make more future trades or load up on young players.
I’d package a pick or two to get rid of Theis, and maybe try move from late 20’s to mid teens.
Rockets won’t sign Harden(hopefully). And I also think Udoka is hoping for some added talent.
I do see them calling every team in the league enquiring about AS level player’s availability. With Stone sitting in a “become relevant and competitive or you’re fired” position he has to try for a splash.
Rockets don’t have good assets to acquire Jaylen Brown, Doncic and Mitchell.
Plain and Simple
Harden is the best free agent this summer.
No argument. Also I doubt any would even be available.
But draft picks, they do have;
2023 #4 & #19
Along with between 7-10 picks through to 29.(7 guaranteed)
with BKN’s 24 and 26 unprotected and 25&27 being unrestricted swaps, they have good value RN.
Along with 11 useless 2nds.
Along with Green, Smith Jr, Sengun, Eason, KPJ. Plus the #4 and other young talent like KJ Martin/Christopher, Garuba etc. They do have assets of good value to pursue a good AS level player. Not 1st AllNBA level like Brown, Luka or Mitchell.
But it’s not the right call to sell the farm for someone who isn’t a walk in 5+ year franchise star, which is unlikely to happen. And it’s even worse a call to pick up on Harden for 4 years. Better to stand pat if no one is up for trade
I like Smith but Green is no Brown. And if they do sign Harden, they may make the playoffs, but they’ll be stuck in mud because of the lack of defense in the backcourt (and ultimately the perimeter in a three and D league).
Sign Harden = 35-win team = 12th seed
Add (overpay is absolutely needed)
Austin Reaves
Kuzma
Brook Lopez
Rockets would be the 9th seed after 8th seed Wolves
What is “meaningful overhaul”?