Coach Ime Udoka To Use Personal Adversity To Help Mentor Rockets' Young Corps
HOUSTON — Former coach Stephen Silas won 59 out of the 236 games he spent as coach of the Houston Rockets. But during his three-year stint in Houston, Silas' best coaching attribute was the mentorship he provided to his young corps.
Silas' teachings helped guide his players through the on-court growing pains of the NBA. His schooling helped Jalen Green and Jabari Smith Jr. end their rookie campaigns on a high note after a subpar start.
But Silas' mentorship may have had its most significant impact off the court by helping players overcome personal struggles as young men.
Coach Ime Udoka understands the on-court responsibilities he has as Silas' successor. During his introductory press conference, owner Tilman Fertitta and general manager Rafael Stone reiterated their faith in Udoka as the franchise moves into the second phase of its rebuild.
But Udoka understands that taking over the Rockets also means becoming a mentor to a group of young men who are still trying to find their way through life.
"I know what they could be going through off the court — I've been in their shoes," Udoka said. "I was a role player journeyman, so I don't have the same responsibilities as some of these guys, but we have all been through it. That's a benefit I can relate to them on those topics."
Udoka said he is a prime example of how decisions have consequences and will not shy away from using his mistakes as a part of life's teachings.
The Boston Celtics suspended Udoka before the start of the 2022-23 season following an internal investigation into an inappropriate workplace relationship. His suspension came in late September, days before the start of training camp. But five months later, Udoka lost his job as coach of the Celtics to Joe Mazzulla.
Udoka has taken accountability for his off-court transgressions. And he hopes the second chance the Rockets have given him will be a testament to overcoming adversity and redemption.
"The one thing I learned was the definition of resilience," Udoka said. "Most people talk about how you handle adversity and come back from it. But I've learned throughout this process; being resilient means avoiding putting yourself in certain situations."
It may not take Udoka three seasons to reach 59 wins. But he could be the perfect heir to continue Silas' legacy as a mentor to Houston's young corps.
The players' adoration for Silas made leaving Washington a somber day on April 9. The Rockets had just defeated the Washington Wizards when news of Silas' departure became public.
But Udoka's arrival will help the Rockets fill the mentorship void left by Silas' jettison, which made him a prominent figure within Houston's locker room during his three-year tenure.
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