Houston Rockets to bring on board former Boston Celtics coach Ime Udoka → Adoxh

Houston Rockets hire Ime Udoka as head coach, sources say. Udoka was previously suspended and dismissed by the Boston Celtics over an improper workplace relationship, which the Rockets investigated with the league office and with the Celtics. Despite this, the Rockets were impressed with Udoka’s ability to galvanize a locker room and command respect, and he was able to lead the Celtics to the NBA Finals in his one season as head coach. Udoka’s appointment is seen as a coup for Rockets general manager Rafael Stone, who convinced him to join the franchise with the promise of young talent, salary cap space, and the chance to win the draft lottery and select Victor Wembanyama.

The Houston Rockets have hired Ime Udoka as their next head coach, according to sources. Udoka was suspended and dismissed from the Boston Celtics nearly three months ago due to an improper workplace relationship. The Rockets conducted an investigation with the league office and the Celtics before making the job offer. Udoka’s ability to command respect and galvanize a locker room were key factors in his appeal to the Rockets, who are looking to turn around their performance after finishing last season with a 22-60 record. In his one season as head coach for the Celtics, Udoka led the team to the NBA Finals, with a 51-31 record and a top-10 finish in both offensive and defensive efficiency. Former Lakers coach Frank Vogel and former Charlotte coach James Borrego were also prominent candidates in the Rockets’ coaching search.