"The NBA told me they felt comfortable with Ime as coach" - Houston Rockets owner opens up on Ime Udoka's hiring

The Houston Rockets hired Ime Udoka as their new coach on Tuesday. The decision came shortly after the Rockets parted ways with Stephen Silas after three seasons.

Silas won only 59 games in three years, which is why the Rockets wanted someone who could do a better job. They turned to Udoka, who led the Boston Celtics to the NBA Finals in his first season as a coach.

In his only season as a coach, Ime Udoka went 51-31 in the regular season and led the Boston Celtics to the NBA Finals. The Celtics lost to the Golden State Warriors in six games, but this was still a great achievement.

However, Udoka was suspended shortly before the 2022-23 season began. The coach violated team policies by having an intimate relationship with a female staff member. He was replaced by Joe Mazzulla.

The Celtics suspended Udoka for a year, and the NBA considered this an appropriate suspension. Due to this, the league had no problem with the Houston Rockets hiring Udoka.

Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta said that the NBA was comfortable with Houston hiring the disgraced coach.

Udoka led the Celtics to the NBA Finals in his first season as a head coach. (Image via Getty Images)

"The NBA told me they felt comfortable with Ime as coach of the Rockets," Fertitta said.

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The owner of the Rockets reportedly had a lengthy conversation with the league regarding Udoka.

The Houston Rockets have a lot of great young players. (Image via Getty Images)

"It was one person we felt that was an exceptional candidate to take us to the next level," Fertitta said.

"He is everything the Rockets are looking for. We did so much due diligence on this individual. He’s going to hold these guys to toughness, respectability and accountability."

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Considering how talented the Houston Rockets are, there is no doubt that Udoka can achieve decent results with them. They are unlikely to be a contender next season, but could win 30 or more games.