Ime Udoka was officially hired by the Rockets as their new head coach. Udoka has a conflicted past, as he led the Celtics to the NBA finals in his first year, but was subsequently fired for a conflict within the organization. Udoka addressed this in his introductory press conference by mentioning, “I take ownership and accountability” for what happened. Furthermore, Udoka stated, “I spent this last offseason working on myself in a lot of different ways, it was a chance to sit back, reflect and grow, and I think it will make me a better coach and overall, a better leader.” Though Udoka was suspended for the remainder of the 2022-2023 season, the NBA found that no further suspension was necessary. 

Udoka was known around the league as a rising star, before this conflict after leading the Celtics to the finals in his first year. Before taking the head coaching job for the Celtics, he served as an assistant coach for the Spurs for 9 seasons and had a seven-year NBA career, playing for the Lakers, Spurs, Knicks, Blazers, and Kings. 

Udoka will take over the Rockets team, ready to turn their rebuild into production. The Rockets have spent the last three years being one of the worst teams in the league, however, they have gained a plethora of young talent through the draft. Jalen Green, Jabari Smith Jr, and Alpren Sengun are some of the young studs who will help lead this team with the help of Udoka as they look to compete for the playoffs this upcoming season. This young core, plus another top pick in this year’s draft, and a couple of additions through free agency can help bring this young team together. 

Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta reflected, “We are just excited, It’s phase two.” He is referencing the different phases of a rebuild, showing again how the Rockets are ready to compete again, and with the hiring of a top-tier coach, the time has come for the Rockets to start winning again.