HOUSTON — In a press conference featuring both optimism and remorse, the Rockets introduced Ime Udoka as their new head coach on Wednesday at Toyota Center. He replaces Stephen Silas and will be the 15th coach in franchise history, starting with the 2023-24 season.
The remorse, of course, relates to Udoka’s first extended commentary since the September 2022 scandal over an improper workplace relationship that derailed his previous tenure in Boston.
Prior to that, Udoka’s time as head coach with the Celtics was overwhelmingly successful, as evidenced by their trip to the 2022 NBA Finals. The 45-year-old had previously spent nine years as an assistant for three teams, including seven seasons on the staff of legendary head coach Gregg Popovich with the San Antonio Spurs.
The Rockets, of course, are counting on Udoka’s baggage to stay in the past, with an eye solely on the obvious basketball merits of the hire. To that end, Houston general manager Rafael Stone says he loves the intelligence, drive, and toughness of Udoka as a coach, in hopes of those types of traits lifting the team’s rebuilding project to its next phase. That’s where the optimism comes in.
Here’s a roundup of what Stone, Udoka, and owner Tilman Fertitta said at Wednesday’s extended media availability session, which kicks off a busy 2023 offseason for the Rockets.
Press conference tidbits
Ime Udoka on picking Houston:
"I took a big look at the landscape of what we have here in Houston. Obviously it's a destination that's very attractive to players. And the young talent. Sky's the limit as far as that's concerned. They've done a good job building for the future."
— Salman Ali (@SalmanAliNBA) April 26, 2023
Ime Udoka: "A lot of things were very attractive about this job. Cap space was a big thing. Chance to grow with these young players."
— ClutchFans (@clutchfans) April 26, 2023
Tilman Fertitta on Ime Udoka: "He's going to hold these guys to toughness, respectability, accountability…It's everything that I like when running a business."
— Alykhan Bijani (@Rockets_Insider) April 26, 2023
Ime Udoka said he "looks forward to the moves" the Rockets make coming up in the draft and free agency.
— ClutchFans (@clutchfans) April 26, 2023
Ime Udoka on the controversy surrounding him leaving Boston:
“They’ve done their homework and due diligence of who I am as a person. I spent the last off-season growing in a lot of ways. The situation has been resolved and I can’t speak else much more about it.” pic.twitter.com/o74Auhv93K
— Chancellor Johnson (@ChancellorTV) April 26, 2023
Tilman Fertitta on Udoka and his past: "The NBA told me that they feel very comfortable with Ime becoming head coach of the Houston Rockets."
Calls it a "very lengthy conversation." #Rockets
— Ben DuBose (@BenDuBose) April 26, 2023
Ime Udoka said he went through leadership and sensitivity training along with counseling with his son while he was away from basketball
— Adam Spolane (@AdamSpolane) April 26, 2023
Udoka — I like the tight knit group that we have. We clicked pretty quickly. All on the same page as far as what we’re trying to accomplish.
— Kelly Iko (@KellyIko) April 26, 2023
Ime Udoka says one of his first messages to the #Rockets players is "Youth is not an excuse."
— ClutchFans (@clutchfans) April 26, 2023
Udoka jokes: "He's trying to get some playing time already. The only player who showed up." https://t.co/GPOx8W93sZ
— Ben DuBose (@BenDuBose) April 26, 2023
Kevin Porter Jr is here for the presser! Coach Udoka joked “I see he’s a smart guy, trying to get some playing time.” 😂 pic.twitter.com/UR2rqgK2mB
— Vanessa Richardson (@SportsVanessa) April 26, 2023
Udoka said shooting is a premium and they’ll want to address that in free agency. Also mentioned that Alperen Sengun does some things well but they want some different types of bigs as well.
— Kelly Iko (@KellyIko) April 26, 2023
Ime Udoka said he will get to his future staff here shortly. "I'll interview the guys that were here." He said in Boston, he looked for an "energetic staff."
— ClutchFans (@clutchfans) April 26, 2023
Ime Udoka on Houston's roster: "It was really eye-opening for me, when I dug into the film."
Says he watched about 10 #Rockets games prior to his interview. Mentioned Tari Eason as someone who stood out.
— Ben DuBose (@BenDuBose) April 26, 2023
"Not all men are created equal on the basketball court. They (Kevin & Jalen) can do things that other guys can't do," – #Rockets HC Ime Udoka on his new backcourt of @Kevinporterjr & @JalenGreen
— Adam Wexler (@AdamJWexler) April 26, 2023
Tilman Fertitta on Ime Udoka: "We're a forgiving society. Everyone makes mistakes."
Tilman spoke with Gretchen Sheirr, president of business operations, to make sure the female perspective was considered. Talked to his ex-wife about it, as well. Both supported and are here today
— Ben DuBose (@BenDuBose) April 26, 2023
Coach 🤝 Scoot pic.twitter.com/bL21hApHLp
— Houston Rockets (@HoustonRockets) April 26, 2023
Ime Udoka: "The one thing I noticed is we don't have bad shooters." He says it's shot selection that is more the problem with #Rockets players. He does say they will try to add shooters.
— ClutchFans (@clutchfans) April 26, 2023
Ime Udoka on the Rockets: "This is more attractive than a lot of mid-level teams that have a 5, 6-seed type ceiling."
— Ben DuBose (@BenDuBose) April 26, 2023
