https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/36282812/sources-houston-rockets-hire-ex-celtics-coach-ime-udoka The hiring comes nearly three months after the Boston Celtics suspended and dismissed Udoka for an improper workplace relationship, a situation that the Rockets probed with the league office and with the Celtics, among others, before making the job offer, sources told ESPN. The hiring is a coup for Rockets general manager Rafael Stone, who helped sell Udoka on the franchise's young talent, salary cap space and the chance at winning the draft lottery and selecting generational talent Victor Wembanyama. Udoka and Stone moved quickly toward a partnership upon an initial meeting recently, sources said. Udoka decided against pursuing the Toronto Raptors job -- and other potential openings in this hiring cycle, sources said. Udoka's ability to galvanize a locker room and command respect were an immense part of his attractiveness to the Rockets and the marketplace.
I think we got the right guy. Could backfire though (some risk). But what I am curious about now is why? Ime had to know he would, or already did, have other offers. So what was the lure? Money? Roster? Owner? Draft? Wonder if we will ever really know. Oh. I am sure he will make a statement. Seldom do you get the whole story in these. Maybe other suiters were more cautious than we thought? Maybe the warm weather?
It was just a joke because everybody seemed so triggered about Vogel and pro Ime I did like that Vogel/Nurse had more experience than Udoka, but I'm totally cool with it and am excited about the reputation he had with his players in his short HC stint. I think coaching is important but still think the roster matters far more when it comes to wins, hopefully, the team massively improves through maturation, the draft + FA, or else Ime's about to have his "elite coach" status changed to Silas' material real quick. If you watched basketball for the first time ever last year you'd probably think Dwayne Casey was the worst in the league and Pops was tied with Silas for second-most ass.
Avery Johnson joins CBS Sports HQ to discuss the Rockets hiring former Boston Celtics head coach Ime Udoka as their next head coach.
Just expect the Texans to mess up whatever they are gonna do because it is what they have always done. If you do that, you won't be disappointed.
Honestly, Raptors fans have to look at their roster and then look at ours. Why would anyone choose that job over this one?
I agree people to over the top with it. But ESPN also reported he was in a relationship with a subordinate. That is a big difference than the owner's wife.
