The Houston Rockets were spiraling into irrelevance not long ago. Once a perennial playoff contender, the team found itself in the NBA’s basement, struggling to find identity and cohesion despite an influx of young talent. From 2020 to 2023, under the leadership of Stephen Silas, the Rockets endured the worst three-season stretch in franchise history, finishing with a dismal 59-177 record. Though Silas stepped into a tough situation with a rebuilding roster, his inexperience as a first-time head coach and inability to command the locker room ultimately hindered the team’s growth. It became clear that the Rockets needed a drastic change to maximize their youthful potential and navigate the demanding Western Conference landscape.
Enter Ime Udoka.
Rockets General Manager Rafael Stone made a bold and, in hindsight, brilliant decision in hiring Udoka. Known for his no-nonsense approach, defensive mindset, and proven ability to lead, Udoka brought precisely the kind of presence the franchise was craving. From day one, he emphasized accountability, structure, and intensity—qualities the young roster quickly embraced. Udoka’s coaching philosophy clicked immediately, and it didn’t take long for the results to follow.
In just his second season with the Rockets, Udoka orchestrated one of the most impressive turnarounds in recent NBA history. He led Houston to the second seed in the Western Conference and guided the team to its first 50-win season since 2018–19. That leap from 11th to 2nd in just one year is nothing short of extraordinary and a testament to Udoka’s ability to develop young talent while instilling a winning culture.
The Rockets’ roster is a blend of promising stars like Alperen Sengun, Jabari Smith Jr., Tari Eason, Cam Whitmore, and Amen Thompson—all under the age of 26. Each player has taken a leap under Udoka’s leadership, particularly on the defensive end, where the team has become one of the most physical and aggressive units in the league. Udoka’s defensive schemes emphasize grit, communication, and relentless energy—qualities that have transformed Houston into a top-tier team.
Perhaps the most impressive aspect of Udoka’s impact is the culture shift. The Rockets no longer resemble a team in constant rebuild mode; instead, they look like a well-oiled machine with championship aspirations. With their core in place and a coach who commands respect, the Rockets are now ahead of schedule in their development and staring at a wide-open championship window.
As the offseason approaches, there will be temptations to make a splash in free agency or via trade. However, Houston would be wise to stay the course. With Ime Udoka at the helm, the Rockets have found their identity—and more importantly, their future.
The gamble has paid off. Ime Udoka hasn’t just coached the Rockets—he’s revived them.
