Rockets Reassure Hiring Of Ime Udoka Despite Controversial Exit From Boston
HOUSTON — The Houston Rockets officially introduced Ime Udoka as their 15th coach in franchise history Wednesday afternoon inside the Toyota Center. Udoka's press conference was his first public appearance since his exile from the Boston Celtics.
The Celtics suspended Udoka before the start of training camp following the team's internal investigation into an inappropriate workplace relationship. Udoka reiterated his remorse by referring to a statement released by ESPN in late September and has used his time away from the game to work on himself internally.
"I spent this past off-season working on myself in a lot of different ways," Udoka said. "It gave me a chance to set back, reflect and grow. It will make me a better coach. But overall, a better person."
Owner Tilman Fertitta and general manager Rafael Stone vowed that the Rockets did their due diligence before hiring Udoka. Fertitta said it was important for him to "feel good" about Udoka's employment. But more significantly, Fertitta wanted approval from other team personnel members, which included President Gretchen Sheirr.
Udoka said he had taken full ownership and responsibility for his off-court transgressions. He does not have ill feelings toward the Celtics and the franchise's decision for his early termination. Joe Mazzulla officially replaced Udoka as the Celtics' coach in February.
"The NBA told me they felt really comfortable with Ime becoming the coach of the Houston Rockets," Fertitta said. "That made me feel really good, especially after having several lengthy conversations.
"There was one person we felt was an exceptional candidate to take us to the next level. We are so excited to have Ime. He is everything the Rockets are looking for."
Udoka signed a four-year contract worth $28.5 million with 6.7 million coming at the start of the 2023-24 campaign.
During his lone season in Boston, the Celtics ranked first in the league in field goal defense and fewest points allowed during the 2021-22 season. He was named Eastern Conference Coach of the Month twice and finished fourth in voting for Coach of the Year honors.
Boston began the season 18-21. But under Udoka, the Celtics saved their subpar season by going 33-10, which led to a trip to the 2022 NBA Finals last June.
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