In keeping with ESPN, the Houston Rockets have chosen Ime Udoka to be the franchise’s subsequent head coach after parting methods with Stephen Silas earlier this month. Udoka steps right into a rebuilding scenario whereas rumors flow into round James Harden’s potential return this summer time.
As lots of you’re most likely conscious, Udoka was suspended and finally dismissed by the Boston Celtics after information of an inappropriate office relationship involving Udoka surfaced. In keeping with Adrian Wojnarowski, the Houston Rockets probed the information of the scenario previous to deciding to rent him. Udoka was suspended simply days earlier than coaching camp, which led to Joe Mazzulla taking on because the interim head coach for Boston earlier than being employed full-time in February.
In his first 12 months as a head coach, Ime Udoka led the Boston Celtics to the NBA Finals after the Celtics began the 12 months all the best way down in tenth place within the East as late as January. The second half of the season was massively totally different, with Brad Stevens’ strikes to the roster additionally having a big effect. Udoka is credited with enabling Marcus Good to run the present on the level place, unlocking Jayson Tatum’s skills, main him to make All-NBA 1st Workforce, and extra.
Whereas the information of his suspension left the staff shrouded in uncertainty, Mazzulla shortly stepped in and led the Celtics to a good higher begin (and document). Mazzulla was one of many coaches beneath Udoka, and it’s clear that he’s match for the job because the Celtics stand as one of many prime contenders within the league for the championship.
Udoka will probably be inheriting a a lot totally different staff because the Rockets have a 14 p.c probability on the No. 1 general choose. The Rockets have younger expertise like Jalen Inexperienced, Alperen Sengun, Kevin Porter Jr. and extra with the chance so as to add an excellent younger piece within the draft this 12 months. The Rockets even have a ton of cap house. If early experiences are any indication, a few of that cap house may very well be headed towards a James Harden reunion, and Boston might need a direct influence on that if the Philadelphia 76ers are despatched residence early within the second spherical. Harden was traded from the Rockets to begin the 2020-21 season to staff up with Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving on the Brooklyn Nets.
Finally, the Celtics are completely fantastic with out Ime Udoka as they’ve championship aspirations nonetheless, and Ime Udoka appears to be doing fantastic too after touchdown this job. It will hopefully put an finish to that chapter and all events can transfer on.
