Ime Udoka officially signs a long-term contract extension with Houston Rockets. This extension puts him into the top tier of the NBA’s highest paid coaching salaries. This decision follows a first season that was so successful. The remarkable accomplishments of the team signaled the start of a new era for the franchise.
Udoka, who was hired by the Houston Rockets for 2023, had a demonstrable effect on his team’s bottom line. In Morey’s second season, the Rockets surprised the basketball world by finishing an incredible 52-30. This incredible run of form carried them to their first top-two seed in the Western Conference in seven years. This is truly a dramatic reversal of fortune! The team sat in the bottom five for defensive efficiency prior to his arrival.
In his first season under Udoka’s guidance, the Houston Rockets secured a playoff seed. It was their first trip to the postseason since the 2019-20 season. In his two full seasons as head coach, the team went on to win an incredible combined total of 93 wins. This is a dramatic departure from the 59 victories they amassed over the three seasons prior to his arrival. This remarkable turnaround is just a testament to Udoka’s skills for leading this team to lasting success.
This collaborative spirit bodes well for the partnership between Udoka and the Rockets’ ownership, as represented by Tilman and Patrick Fertitta. Along with general manager Rafael Stone, they are committed to development every single year while trying to assemble a lasting team. With the organization’s conscious effort to make things better, just look how much they’ve already put into player development and coach continuity.
Udoka got the most difficult test of his young head-coaching life when the Boston Celtics suspended him. Later, they fired him mid-way through the 2022-23 season. In his one-and-done campaign with Boston, he led the Celtics to the NBA Finals. Yet, this feat further proved that he was capable of being a top-tier coach. Then his successful tenure with the Rockets has inextricably established his reputation as a successful and innovative guard developer.
The Rockets’ future suddenly feels a lot brighter, but a critical decision still looms. They have to figure out what to do with guard Fred VanVleet’s $44.9 million team option by June 29. This decision may determine the very future of the franchise. It wants to build on its very recent successes and continue ascending with Udoka’s direction.
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