Head coach Ime Udoka has agreed to a long-term extension with the Rockets, sources tell Shams Charania of ESPN.
According to Charania, Udoka’s new extension will make him one of the highest-paid coaches in the NBA. Kelly Iko of The Athletic confirms (via Twitter) that Udoka has agreed to a multiyear deal.
A former NBA wing, Udoka has led Houston to a dramatic turnaround over the past two seasons. The team won just 17, 20 and 22 games in the three years prior to Udoka’s arrival in 2023, but in 2023/24 — his first season at the helm — he guided the club to a .500 record (41-41).
That upward trajectory continued this season, as the Rockets went 52-30 and earned the No. 2 seed in a highly competitive Western Conference. The young team was eliminated from the playoffs in the first round, losing to Golden State in seven games.
After retiring as a player, Udoka spent seven years an assistant with San Antonio before one-year stints in Philadelphia and Brooklyn. He was hired as Boston’s head coach in 2021 and had an impressive first season in ’21/22, with the Celtics going 51-31 and advancing to the NBA Finals for the first time since 2010, eventually losing to the Warriors in six games.
While he was technically still under contract with the Celtics in ’22/23, Udoka didn’t coach at all, having been suspended for the entire season for violating team policies — he reportedly had an affair with a member of the team’s staff.
The 47-year-old’s time with the Celtics ended in February 2023, when the team promoted Joe Mazzulla to be the permanent head coach. Udoka was hired by the Rockets a couple months later, signing a four-year contract at that time.
The Knicks reportedly asked the Rockets for permission to interview Udoka for their head coaching vacancy last week, but that request was was denied. Now, Udoka has agreed to a long-term extension to remain with Houston.
AWESOME!!! The difference between him and Stephan Silas is so huge. Since he came to Houston they have shown so much growth and will be a top contender very soon. Wonder how many years it’s for
The “huge” differences between Silas and Udoka are VanVleet, Brooks and Thompson.
Ohhh Noooo.
Does this mean Knicks can’t talk to him ..
Make ya a deal. Send over Brunson and he’ll send you guys a telegram :)
He also got a “close” woman assistant a big pay day too!
Can’t beat GSW, gets extension. Makes sense.
Help a team at the bottom of the standings for years to a two seed in two years and change the culture, gets extension. Makes more sense.
That because the league’s best coach, Steve P Kerr outcoached him.
If Rockets not going for Giannis or KD. Then I would think they’d be trying to trade up for Fears. The best pick for Rockets would be Harper. I can’t see Spurs helping them get him. Imo Spurs are going for Giannis. Harper will be in Milwaukee. Which leaves Houston looking to trade for KD. Trade up for Fears. Or keep their pick and take Jakucionis.
Telling you this draft could see some major trades going down ………. I like Jakucionis.
Ace Bailey sounds like what the rockets need. All I hear about him is shooting and playmaking. Doubt he’ll be there when their pick comes up but they really need shooting.