A new head coach for the Houston Rockets has been appointed in Emi Udoka. Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta expressed that he felt “very comfortable” in signing Udoka despite him being a bad boy from the Boston Celtics.
“The NBA told me that they feel very comfortable with Im becoming the Houston Rockets coach,” Fertitta told reporters during a news conference Wednesday alongside Udoka at the Toyota Center. “And that made me feel really good after a long, drawn-out conversation with him.”
Tilman Fertitta says the NBA told him that they felt very comfortable with the Rockets hiring Ime Udoka
— Rob Kimbell (@RobKSports) April 26, 2023
Tilman Fertitta believes Im Udoka deserves a second chance
Prior to the 2022-2023 season, Udoka was suspended by the Celtics for having an inappropriate intimate relationship with a member of the Celtics organization. On February 16, the Celtics officially promoted interim head coach Joe Mazzola to be the permanent head coach in Boston, ending Odoka’s tenure.
Fertitta has expressed that Udoka deserves “pardon” for his mistakes as he embarks on his second job as head coach.
“We are a tolerant society and everyone makes a mistake,” said Fertitta. “What happened in his personal situation is definitely something for which we forgive him.”
Tilman Fertitta on Ime Udoka: “We are a tolerant society and everyone makes a mistake… What happened in his personal situation is certainly something for which we forgive him.” pic.twitter.com/RHeoomm49v
– Mark Berman (@MarkBermanFox26) April 26, 2023
Ime Udoka starred in his first year as the Boston Celtics coach
In his only year as head coach in Boston, the Celtics went 51-31, finishing first in the Atlantic Division. The Celtics won the Eastern Conference before losing to the Golden State Warriors in the NBA Finals.
Udoka was known for his “blunt and direct approach” as he championed discipline and called for accountability.
In Houston, Odoka took over from Stephen Silas, who was fired after his third season with a record of 59-177. With a young core that includes Kevin Porter Jr., Jabbari Smith, Jalen Green, Kenyon Martin Jr., and Alperin Senjun.
Ime Udoka says the Rockets have identified some areas they want to improve with $60 million in cap space: “Obviously, we’ve talked about shooting.”
Rafael Stone says they want to use cap space in a way that balances the short and long range.
– ClutchFans (@clutchfans) April 26, 2023