Latest news with #Udoka
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.
Boston Globe
10 hours ago
- Sport
- Boston Globe
Former Celtics coach Ime Udoka agrees to a contract extension with the Rockets, AP source says
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. The Rockets lost to the Warriors in seven games in the first round of the playoffs this season. Advertisement Udoka led the Celtics to the NBA Finals in 2022, then was The 47-year-old was
Fox Sports
13 hours ago
- Sport
- Fox Sports
Coach Ime Udoka agrees to a contract extension with the Houston Rockets, AP source says
Associated Press 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. 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: recommended
Winnipeg Free Press
14 hours ago
- Sport
- Winnipeg Free Press
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. 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:
Time of India
14 hours ago
- Sport
- Time of India
Ime Udoka's rise in Houston Rockets just triggered one of the boldest moves this offseason
(Image Source - Getty Images) Ime Udoka has turned the Houston Rockets from an afterthought into a serious contender. After a dismal 22-win season, he pushed them to a 52–30 record and a No. 2 seed in the West. His gritty, defense-first mindset reshaped everything. Now, with an eight-figure extension and full backing from the front office, Udoka stands as the face of a rising powerhouse built for the long haul. The linchpin behind Houston's transformation in just two seasons When Ime Udoka came on board in April 2023, the Rockets were still recovering their head after a historic worst streak in the franchise history, where the last season recorded only 22 victories out of 82 matches. And under his leadership they were able to reverse it and complete 41-41 in the first year of his directing of the team, and then they really began to soar in 2024-25 achieving 52-30 and earning the number two slot. Udoka's philosophy, rooted in his experience with Gregg Popovich, emphasized a defense-first approach. The result was a squad that ranked fifth in defensive efficiency and was recognized as one of the toughest teams to face in the league. Even though the financial specifics are kept secret, ESPN's Shams Charania has confirmed that Udoka's new deal is long-term, placing him among the NBA's highest earners with a salary in the eight figures per season. The Houston front office didn't waste any time, reportedly stopping the Knicks from interviewing Udoka during their coaching transition. This level of confidence shows just how important he is to the Rockets' resurgence. Udoka's extension isn't just a single headline—it's a crucial element of a wider rebuild. The Rockets have also secured veteran center Steven Adams with a three-year, $39 million deal, are looking to sort out Fred VanVleet's $44.9 million team option, and continue to be involved in trade talks regarding Kevin Durant. Under Udoka's guidance, young stars like Alperen Şengün (an All-Star) and Amen Thompson (All-Defense) have blossomed, strengthening Houston's future core. Also Read: LeBron James Pushes Back on NBA's 'Ring Culture,' Says Team Titles Shouldn't Define Individual Greatness Udoka's extension isn't merely a headline—it's a key part of a larger rebuild. The Rockets have also signed veteran center Steven Adams to a three-year, $39 million contract, are preparing to address Fred VanVleet's $44.9 million team option, and are still engaged in trade discussions surrounding Kevin Durant. With Udoka at the helm, young talents like Alperen Sengun and Amen Thompson have thrived, reinforcing Houston's future core. Game On Season 1 kicks off with Sakshi Malik's inspiring story. Watch Episode 1 here
