In a groundbreaking move for the Houston Rockets, head coach Ime Udoka has secured a lucrative contract extension, solidifying his position as one of the highest-paid coaches in the NBA. Udoka's impressive leadership led the Rockets to their first top-two seed in the Western Conference in seven years, marking a significant turnaround for the franchise. Under Udoka's guidance, Houston notched 93 wins, a stark improvement from the 59 victories they achieved in the three seasons prior to his arrival.
Despite initial challenges, including a suspension and subsequent firing by the Boston Celtics, Udoka has proven his coaching prowess by steering the Rockets to their first playoff appearance since 2019-20. With a renewed focus on defensive efficiency, Houston finished fifth in the league this season, showcasing the impact of Udoka's strategic approach. Alongside key roster decisions, such as re-signing center Steven Adams and potentially exercising Fred VanVleet's team option, the Rockets are cementing themselves as a formidable force in the NBA landscape.