Rockets hand new deal to head coach Ime Udoka

The 2024/25 NBA season was one of real progress for the Houston Rockets and they have moved to tie down head coach Ime Udoka to a new long-term deal.

Udoka took over the Rockets in 2023 and managed to turn around a team that had failed to make the playoffs since 2019/20. Under Udoka’s leadership they went 52-30 this season and the team finished fifth for defensive efficiency.

The new contract for Udoka comes after reports that the New York Knicks were considering him for their vacant head coach role. He had two years remaining on his previous deal.

ESPN reports that the new contract gives Udoka an eight-figure annual salary, making him one of the best-paid coaches in the entire league. Now 47 years old, Udoka has been an NBA coach for 14 years and he has become one of the most coveted names in the league.

Udoka has managed to rebuild his reputation in Houston after an ignominious exit from his previous role. He spent two years in charge of the Boston Celtics before being suspended and ultimately fired in 2022/23. He was accused of “an improper relationship with a member of the organization” according to The Associated Press.

Nevertheless, the move to Houston has been a successful one and he has been able to develop a new team after years of underachievement with a more experienced group. Already the Rockets have extended center Steve Adams, while Kevin Durant is rumured to be interest in a move to Houston.

“The foundation was laid last year... But I felt we could take another step this year,” Udoka said during the team’s run to the playoffs.

“We saw growth within all our guys last year,” he continued. “And so to come into this year with our second year of them not having to learn the schemes or terminology and what we’re expecting, you expect it to take somewhat of a jump.”

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