Latest news with #ImeUdoka
9 hours ago
- Sport
Coach Ime Udoka agrees to a contract extension with the Houston Rockets, AP source says
HOUSTON -- Coach Ime Udoka has agreed to a contract extension with the Houston Rockets, a person familiar with the deal told The Associated Press on Thursday. The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because the deal hadn't been announced. No details on the terms of the contract were available. The move comes after Udoka led the Rockets to the second-best record in the Western Conference this season and their first playoff berth since the 2019-20 season. Houston made a remarkable turnaround in his two seasons in charge after being among the worst teams in the NBA the three seasons before his hiring. The Rockets, who won just 42 games combined in the two seasons before Udoka was hired, went 41-41 in his first season before going 52-30 this season for their first winning record since 2019-20. Houston lost to the Golden State Warriors in seven games in the first round of the playoffs this season. Udoka led the Boston Celtics to the NBA Finals in 2022, then was suspended for the following season after the disclosure of an inappropriate relationship with a female Celtics employee. The 47-year-old was hired in April 2023 to replace Stephen Silas, who was fired after three losing seasons.
Yahoo
9 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Ime Udoka reportedly agrees to long-term extension with Rockets that makes him one of the NBA's top-paid coaches
The Houston Rockets like what they've seen from head coach Ime Udoka. Following the team's excellent 2024-25 season, the Rockets reportedly signed Udoka to a long-term extension that makes him one of the highest-paid coaches in the NBA, per ESPN's Shams Charania. Udoka, 47, was hired by the Rockets in 2023. During his season with the team, Udoka saw the Rockets improve by 19 games. After going 21-60 during the 2022-23 NBA season, the Rockets finished .500. The team didn't make the playoffs, but it was an impressive turnaround. Advertisement Things got even better this season. The Rockets improved yet again, winning 52 games and making the playoffs for the first time in five seasons. Despite securing the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference, the Rockets were eliminated by the Golden State Warriors in seven games during the first round of the playoffs. Following that elimination, Udoka's name emerged as a possible candidate to replace Tom Thibodeau after his surprising firing by the New York Knicks. The Knicks reportedly asked the Rockets for permission to speak with Udoka about the opening, but were denied. Prior to joining the Rockets, Udoka served as the Boston Celtics' head coach for one season. He led the team to the NBA Finals that year, but was suspended for the entire 2022-23 season for violating the team's code of conduct. The suspension came after Udoka reportedly engaged in an improper, consensual relationship with a team staffer. Weeks after that suspension, Udoka was nearly hired as the Brooklyn Nets' head coach, but the team pivoted at the last minute. Joe Mazulla replaced Udoka in Boston and was eventually hired as the Celtics' full-time head coach. After sitting out the 2022-23 NBA season, Udoka was hired by the Rockets after the team fired Stephen Silas. Now inked to a long-term deal, Udoka will focus on trying to lead the Rockets to the team's first NBA championship since the 1994-95 season.
Fox News
10 hours ago
- Sport
- Fox News
Rockets Head Coach Ime Udoka to Sign Eight-Figure Multi-Year Contract Extension
The Yankees break a losing streak and Houston Rockets coach Ime Udoka will sign a contract extension. #NBA #HoustonRockets #Yankees #NYYankees #MLB Learn more about your ad choices. Visit FOX News Radio
Yahoo
12 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Houston Rockets Ime Udoka Receives Huge Contract Extension
Houston Rockets Ime Udoka Receives Huge Contract Extension originally appeared on Athlon Sports. Houston Rockets head coach Ime Udoka has agreed to a long-term contract extension with the franchise that makes him one of the highest-paid NBA coaches, sources tell ESPN. The extension comes after a 52-win season and a top-2 seed for the first time in seven years. Udoka has quietly become one of the NBA's most compelling and effective head coaches possibly one of the best in the league today. At this stage of his coaching career, Udoka stands firmly in the upper tier of NBA coaches. He's not just racking up wins he is transforming cultures, accelerating player development, and installing teams with identity, resilience, and tactical clarity. Advertisement His blend of defensive discipline, adaptable offense, and steady leadership positions him as one of the league's most promising minds on the sidelines. If he continues on this path, a championship may be the final hallmark that cements his status as truly elite. The Rockets are one of the better teams under Udoka's leadership as they play a style of basketball few can match. Few coaches match Udoka's mixture of structure and adaptability. He seamlessly moves between inside-out ball movement, pick-and-roll-heavy sets, and more free-flowing isolation looks when star players need the spotlight. This tactical flexibility keeps opponents off balance and maximizes his roster's strengths on any given night. Houston's decision to lock up one of the league's best coaches was wise. This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 19, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
13 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Coach Ime Udoka agrees to a contract extension with the Houston Rockets, AP source says
HOUSTON (AP) — Coach Ime Udoka has agreed to a contract extension with the Houston Rockets, a person familiar with the deal told The Associated Press on Thursday. The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because the deal hadn't been announced. No details on the terms of the contract were available. Advertisement The move comes after Udoka led the Rockets to the second-best record in the Western Conference this season and their first playoff berth since the 2019-20 season. Houston made a remarkable turnaround in his two seasons in charge after being among the worst teams in the NBA the three seasons before his hiring. The Rockets, who won just 42 games combined in the two seasons before Udoka was hired, went 41-41 in his first season before going 52-30 this season for their first winning record since 2019-20. Houston lost to the Golden State Warriors in seven games in the first round of the playoffs this season. Udoka led the Boston Celtics to the NBA Finals in 2022, then was suspended for the following season after the disclosure of an inappropriate relationship with a female Celtics employee. The 47-year-old was hired in April 2023 to replace Stephen Silas, who was fired after three losing seasons. ESPN was first to report the contract extension. ___ AP NBA: Kristie Rieken, The Associated Press
