Ime Udoka saved the perfect highlights for final.
After practically 45 minutes of in-depth Houston Rockets evaluation on his pre-training-camp PowerPoint presentation, with gamers soaking of their coach’s messages like college students in a basketball classroom contained in the staff’s apply facility, the montage of mayhem started.
First, it was the clip of Udoka telling LeBron James and his Lakers to “cease whining like little b—-” again on Dec. 2, 2023, when the then-first-year Rockets coach began a NSFW argument with one of many biggest gamers of all time that led to Udoka’s ejection. Then got here the dust-up in Milwaukee on Dec. 17, 2023, when resident Rockets villain Dillon Brooks and Udoka have been ejected within the last minute for his or her aggressive dispute of a late name. The tape of 15 separate altercations from their earlier season saved working — and entertaining all of them — from there.
“It’s his character,” Rockets guard Fred VanVleet stated of the presentation and Udoka’s position in it. “He’s a confrontational man, a fighter, so it was humorous to look at all of them so as and see the construct up. But it surely’s about constructing that identification as a gaggle and as a staff. We’re constructed on toughness and simply not taking any s— from anyone.”
The fisticuffs weren’t the featured a part of the movie, although. Udoka had gone into nice element concerning the defensive enhancements that had been made, how the Rockets went from among the many league’s worst in each related class earlier than his arrival to “prime six,” Udoka stated, in his rookie Rockets marketing campaign.
The message, in essence, was that they wanted to get even higher on that finish in the event that they have been going to grow to be a perennial playoff contender. However to get there, it could require a dedication to the motto Udoka always preaches — “No associates on the ground” — and that was on full show throughout these fiery moments.
“We began to have a look at the frequency and the dates (of the incidents), and there was one thing each week from January on,” Udoka instructed The Athletic lately. “The broadcasters would say, ‘Right here goes one other dust-up with Houston. It’s changing into an each sport factor now.’ In order that mentality had modified. And I instructed the blokes, ‘It’s a must to earn the respect of the league and never take a backseat to anyone.’”
Meet the all-gas, no-brakes Rockets, this modern-day model of the “Unhealthy Boys” Pistons that’s as feisty and unapologetic a staff because the league has seen in fairly a while.
After breaking a 15-game dropping streak to the Golden State Warriors on Wednesday in dramatic type and thus advancing to an NBA Cup semifinal matchup in opposition to the Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder on Saturday in Las Vegas, the Rockets are tied with the Memphis Grizzlies for the second-best file within the Western Convention (17-8). As was the case in Udoka’s first head-coaching cease, when he turned the 2021-22 Boston Celtics round throughout his one season there earlier than his his unceremonious exit, his Rockets are doing it with protection.
And whereas they’re not within the driver’s seat simply but, they’re barreling down the highway in the precise route — whereas begging for all of the smoke alongside the best way.
When Udoka and Rockets basic supervisor Rafael Stone began revamping the Rockets’ roster two summers in the past, that they had an important query to reply that will set the tone for what got here subsequent: Was it time for a James Harden reunion?
The Rockets’ Dillon Brooks hounds the Clippers’ James Harden throughout a sport final month in Houston. (Troy Taormina / Imagn Photographs)
The legendary former Rocket had made it recognized he was enthusiastic about a Houston return, and the 2 sides even held a gathering that included Harden, his illustration and Udoka to debate that very chance. If Rockets proprietor Tilman Fertitta wished the obvious approach to return to relevance, this was it.
Udoka had coached Harden as an assistant throughout their time along with the Brooklyn Nets and coached in opposition to him for years in San Antonio, Philadelphia and Boston. There was nice respect for Harden and his sport, however it simply wasn’t the precise match. If the plan was to construct a defensive juggernaut with a balanced offense — and it was — then including a ball-dominant, all-time nice who by no means has been recognized for protection wasn’t the best way to go.
“My essential factor for us was, ‘What matches finest with our younger guys to proceed to develop?’” Udoka stated. “But in addition, out of respect for James, (I instructed him), ‘You’re on the stage the place you wish to win, and we’re not there but.’ And it wasn’t simply James. I had 5, six veteran guys who went to championship-level groups who wished to come back (that summer season), and I stated the identical factor to all of them.
“All of them went to different locations, however that they had Golden State, Milwaukee, Phoenix and all these groups (wanting them) to come back. However I instructed them, ‘We’re not there. Go attempt to win a championship.’ And so, it’s nearly match and the place we’re at. … Our (younger) guys wanted the reps.”
But it was Udoka’s want to alter the Rockets’ tradition on the defensive facet of the ball, and to do it with a gaggle that was younger sufficient to have a protracted runway, that will in the end drive the Rockets’ calculus. Protection was Udoka’s major energy throughout his enjoying days, when he went undrafted out of Portland State earlier than spending components of seven seasons within the NBA and enjoying abroad.
These beliefs have been buoyed throughout his first teaching job alongside the Spurs’ Gregg Popovich from 2012 to 2019, then put into motion greater than ever earlier than when he led Boston to the NBA Finals in 2022 (the Celtics’ protection went from thirteenth in defensive score the 12 months earlier than his hiring to No. 1). And for all of the success the Harden/Mike D’Antoni-led Rockets loved, they have been by no means referred to as the defense-first, intimidating sorts.
Even past Udoka’s imaginative and prescient for the protection, Rockets officers have been involved the event of their two most necessary younger gamers — huge man Alperen Şengün and guard Jalen Inexperienced — could be stymied in the event that they added veteran standouts who weren’t really appropriate with their younger core. Enter veteran guards VanVleet and Brooks, who signed that summer season and shined of their respective roles as Houston improved from 22 wins to 41.
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Udoka had a delicate spot for VanVleet, partly due to the similarities of their tales. Each have been undrafted earlier than making it within the NBA, with VanVleet occurring to grow to be an All-Star and a champion (with the 2018-19 Toronto Raptors). Brooks’ enjoying fashion and prickly character, made (in)well-known throughout his Grizzlies tenure, additionally have been good for what Udoka had in thoughts.
“Fred had performed on and off the ball,” Udoka stated. “He’s been with Kawhi (Leonard), been with DeMar (DeRozan), been with (Pascal) Siakam. He’s needed to do each. And so for Jalen to develop and Alpie to develop, and the opposite guys, I felt Fred was a greater match. …They (each) slot in seamlessly with what I used to be attempting to do, they usually had that defensive mentality that will rub off on our guys on a nightly foundation.”
The ripple impact has been actual.
After ending no greater than twenty seventh in defensive score throughout three seasons underneath former coach Stephen Silas, when the rebuild was in full impact as they gained simply 59 occasions in 222 tries, Udoka’s Rockets staff that was tenth in protection final season is now second. Contemplating the origin story of Udoka’s hiring, how Fertitta and Stone determined to prioritize a defensive mindset above all else of their course of, they couldn’t ask for rather more than this.
“Once we have been bringing Ime in, it wasn’t ‘finest coach out there,’” stated Stone, the 52-year-old who has been with the group since 2005 and was elevated to basic supervisor in October 2020. “It was like, ‘We want any individual who can actually influence protection for us.’ I do suppose (Udoka) was the perfect coach out there, in order that ended up being good, however that was an enormous focal space for us when it comes to the kind of coach we have been going to rent.”
Quick ahead to Wednesday evening, and it was the Warriors feeling Houston’s defensive dominance first-hand when Golden State tied its season-low scoring whereas seeing its streak of 15 consecutive wins over Houston come to an finish. The primary quarter was an absolute clinic, with the Rockets forcing six turnovers whereas holding Golden State to only 18 factors.
On the TNT broadcast, there was a point out of the way it appeared at occasions as if Houston had six or seven defenders on the ground. And whereas they haven’t but pulled off that form of trick, they do have a bevy of versatile, athletic and relentless choices at their disposal.
VanVleet, Brooks and third-year huge man Jabari Smith Jr. (the third decide in 2022) are the defensive leaders within the beginning lineup, with Şengün (18.8 factors, 10.6 rebounds, 5.3 assists per sport) and Inexperienced (19.2 factors, 4.7 rebounds, 2.7 assists) the featured offensive threats. VanVleet (15.6 factors, 5.9 assists) and Brooks (12.6 factors) are key contributors on that finish as nicely.
It’s the bench tandem of swingman Amen Thompson (fourth decide in 2023) and ahead Tari Eason (seventeenth decide in 2022), although, that has been so entertaining on the defensive finish that they even earned a nickname from followers — “The Terror Twins” — for his or her skill to wreck opposing offenses collectively.
“The inspiration was laid final 12 months,” Udoka stated. “However I felt we might take one other step this 12 months. For one factor, there was the well being. Getting Amen again early (who missed greater than a month with a sprained left ankle earlier than returning on Dec. 5). Tari was out for many of the 12 months (final season, when he performed simply 22 video games due to a stress response in his decrease left leg), including a man like (veteran middle) Steven Adams, after which all the blokes taking a leap inside their second 12 months.
“We noticed progress inside all our guys final 12 months,” Udoka continued. “And so to come back into this 12 months with our second 12 months of them not having to be taught the schemes or terminology and what we’re anticipating, you anticipate it to take considerably of a soar.”
To listen to the Rockets locker-room leaders inform it, it’s Udoka’s direct nature — and route — that makes all of it work. If you happen to ever see him protecting his mouth for the cameras throughout a break within the motion, he’s seemingly ripping a Rockets participant for a defensive mistake that merely can’t be tolerated. His candor may be caustic throughout postgame information conferences, too, just like the Dec. 5 session in San Francisco the place he stated his staff seemed “delicate or scared” after a 99-93 loss to the Warriors that will be avenged simply six days later.
“It’s very uncommon within the NBA,” VanVleet stated. “Most coaches have to bounce across the egos and the delicate personalities that the NBA can convey. We’re all high-strung, emotional, egotistical, extremely paid guys, so to have a coach who actually simply says it straight and blunt is refreshing for me, actually. That’s the best way I grew up, and that’s the best way I’ve at all times had most of my coaches all through my life earlier than the NBA.
“For a younger staff, it’s wonderful as a result of it simply units an excellent … basis for guys to develop and get higher. However I’d say he earns that proper too. … He’s not simply motherf—ing guys for no purpose. He earns that relationship and that belief as a frontrunner daily main the group, main the coaches, main the franchise.”
Jeff Inexperienced, who labored with Udoka whereas with the Nets and signed a two-year cope with Houston in 2023, was no stranger to his fashion.
“He needs guys which might be going to play onerous,” the 38-year-old ahead stated. “And in case you don’t, you sit down. I imply, point-blank. It’s that straightforward. … Guys know that, they usually don’t wish to get out of the sport. So to ensure that that to occur, you need to change your strategy. It’s a must to change your methods to the sport. And you need to be Houston Rockets first — no associates on the ground. And Coach Ime lives by that.”
Tari Eason and the Rockets rejoice after their Wednesday win over the Warriors. (Troy Taormina / Imagn Photographs)
For groups on the rise, there’s no higher mixture of circumstances than to be profitable and nonetheless have a cabinet stuffed with promising younger gamers and belongings. That’s a luxurious these Rockets are having fun with.
But whereas they spent the months heading into final season’s commerce deadline searching for one other star, staff sources say that’s not the case heading into the Feb. 6 deadline. Not solely did they safe extensions with Jalen Inexperienced (three years, $106 million) and Şengün (5 years, $185 million), however the early success has solely bolstered the inner perception that this group is price analyzing from now till {the summertime}.
Because it pertains to the Miami Warmth’s Jimmy Butler, who is understood to be out there and reportedly has the Rockets on his listing of most well-liked locations, staff sources say it’s extremely unlikely they’ll pursue the 35-year-old, six-time All-Star from close by Tomball, Texas. As was the case with Harden, age is an simple issue within the calculus. And whereas Butler is an elite two-way participant who might flip these Rockets into title contenders instantly, it seems there’s nonetheless an aversion to the prospect of including any star in his mid-to-late 30s.
From Udoka’s vantage level, now could be the time to take advantage of what they have already got — particularly on the subject of Şengün and Inexperienced. Whereas some have puzzled in the event that they’re a poor match, with Inexperienced at his finest enjoying up-tempo and Şengün extra liable to sluggish it down and play out of the publish, Udoka sees it as a best-of-both-worlds situation.
“I really like stability,” stated Udoka, whose offense is ranked fifteenth and boasts seven gamers who common a minimum of 11 factors per sport. “I really like a staff that may play with tempo, have a publish choice, have guards that may deal with and create, offensive rebound. And so for me, I believe that simply makes you a way more harmful staff.”
The objective from right here, in fact, is to construct on this early momentum and be a real contender by the point the postseason rolls round.
“If we get all the way down to the stretch (run) and we’re in playoff mode and we will play our sport, we’re gonna be a f—ing hell of a staff to beat,” VanVleet stated. “No person’s actually gonna wish to see us coming. We’re simply laying that groundwork to be a kind of groups coming down the stretch, and also you’ve received to (bear in mind) what these guys have been earlier than we received right here. To have the ability to flip it round that fast, Coach undoubtedly deserves quite a lot of credit score for that.”
Not lengthy earlier than Houston tipped off in opposition to the Kings in Sacramento on Dec. 3, as Stone and this reporter shared fun concerning the preseason PowerPoint that spoke volumes about Udoka’s intense character, the staff’s front-office head unknowingly jinxed the evening forward.
“It’s been fairly quiet this 12 months,” he stated.
A couple of hours later, after a no-call in opposition to Şengün that infuriated Udoka, he could be ejected for his profanity-laced pursuit of official John Goble late within the loss. Şengün was tossed too. Eason, who heard a heckler on his means off the ground, even began to run up a close-by ramp towards the stands earlier than he was stopped by safety. Udoka saved the chaos coming in his postgame information convention, relaying how he’d instructed Goble to “get some f—ing glasses.” League fines ensued for all.
However Stone, when requested concerning the occasions of that night days later, was unbothered. Amused, even.
Simply one other day with these rowdy Rockets.
“I’m one hundred pc snug with every part he’s stated and accomplished,” Stone stated. “It’s understood. He ain’t gonna again up. And I don’t need him to. All of us collectively cope with the implications. However the penalties of backing up, I believe, are so much worse. So we’re going to be what we’re going to be about, the issues we’re going to be about, and we’re going to face our floor organizationally.
“Participant by participant, coach by coach, front-office man, possession — all people. If we are saying we’re gonna do one thing, we’re gonna do it. And in case you’re attempting to push us round, that’s not going to occur.”
(Illustration: Meech Robinson / The Athletic; prime images: Darren Carroll / Getty Photographs)
