At 8-8, the Houston Rockets enter December coming off two consecutive losses to end the previous month. Yet, after three straight seasons in the basement of the Western Conference standings, simply being competitive is clearly a step forward in the rebuild.
One person who has taken notice is veteran ESPN personality Stephen A. Smith, who had followed Ime Udoka closely during his lone season (2021-22) as head coach of the Boston Celtics.
In Thursday’s ESPN appearance, Smith commented on Houston’s new head coach, who replaced Stephen Silas after the 2022-23 season.
Smith’s remarks:
I do want to take a moment to give love to the Houston Rockets.
The Rockets are 8-8. This is a young team, as well. Ime Udoka is reminding everybody of that rookie coach that went to Boston, and did in his first year as a head coach what the great Brad Stevens couldn’t do in seven or eight years… and that’s take them to the NBA Finals.
Ime Udoka, excuse my language, can coach his ass off. It is just that simple. I’m watching Houston, and I’m seeing them on the come up. The difference is him, and his coaching.
The offseason additions of key veterans such as Fred VanVleet, Dillon Brooks, and Jeff Green clearly made a difference, as well. However, reports suggest that Udoka had a role in those acquisitions. Perhaps most notably, under Udoka’s guidance, third-year center Alperen Sengun has taken a major step forward in his development.
The complete video of Smith’s comments is available below. As for Udoka and the Rockets, they return to action Saturday night in Los Angeles with a game against LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and the star-studded Lakers (11-9). Tipoff is at 9:30 p.m. Central.
Finally Houston is getting loved! Look at Stephen A showing love to Ime and to our rockets man. pic.twitter.com/FLmCxufH11
— Q Garcia (@Qsince1988) November 30, 2023
