The Houston Rockets are in the NBA offseason following one of the most successful seasons in recent franchise history, and a lot of that success stems from Ime Udoka's work behind the bench.
The 47-year-old head coach's leadership is a big reason why the Rockets finished second in the Western Conference with a 52-30 record. Now, Houston fans can't wait to see how Udoka & Co. will improve on that performance when the 2025-26 season begins.
Having said that, there are about four months before the Rockets return to the hardwood. Houston must first navigate through an offseason that has already featured some drama after reports emerged last week about the New York Knicks potentially targeting Udoka for their vacant coaching position.
The prospect of potentially losing one of basketball's best coaches isn't fun; however, it sounds like Rockets fans don't have anything to worry about, judging by the latest NBA buzz.
Rockets Rejected Knicks' Ime Udoka Interview Request, Houston HC 'Lacked Interest' Too
On Tuesday, NBA insider Shams Charania reported the Rockets have denied the Knicks' request to interview Udoka. If that wasn't reason to celebrate enough, USA Today's Ben DuBose has since added that even the Houston HC wasn't particularly fond of coaching in the 'Big Apple.'
"Told firmly that in addition to Houston denying the request, Udoka himself also lacked interest," DuBose wrote Tuesday evening. "He’s in it for the long haul, here."
Although the chances of Udoka leaving were likely low to begin with, money can be hard to ignore, and playing/coaching for the Knicks — one of the NBA's biggest markets — is sometimes too enticing for some people to turn down. Having said that, Rockets fans can sleep a little easier knowing that their beloved coach isn't going anywhere.
Since taking over the bench in 2023, Udoka has coached the Rockets to a 93-71 regular-season record with a playoff appearance this past spring. He's helped Houston's young cast take their game to a new level while ensuring that veterans are doing their part by holding them accountable, culminating in the franchise's best performance of the 2020s.
With Udoka not going anywhere, it'll be interesting to see how the Rockets continue to progress under his watch. Houston has improved its win total in back-to-back seasons since his arrival, and that trend potentially continuing would launch the Rockets into the 2025-26 championship conversation.