Ime Udoka’s rise in Houston Rockets just triggered one of the boldest moves this offseason

Ime Udoka has turned the Houston Rockets from an afterthought into a serious contender. After a dismal 22-win season, he pushed them to a 52–30 record and a No. 2 seed in the West. His gritty, defense-first mindset reshaped everything.

Now, with an eight-figure extension and full backing from the front office, Udoka stands as the face of a rising powerhouse built for the long haul.

The linchpin behind Houston’s transformation in just two seasons

When Ime Udoka came on board in April 2023, the Rockets were still recovering their head after a historic worst streak in the franchise history, where the last season recorded only 22 victories out of 82 matches. And under his leadership they were able to reverse it and complete 41-41 in the first year of his directing of the team, and then they really began to soar in 2024-25 achieving 52-30 and earning the number two slot.

Udoka’s philosophy, rooted in his experience with Gregg Popovich, emphasized a defense-first approach. The result was a squad that ranked fifth in defensive efficiency and was recognized as one of the toughest teams to face in the league.Even though the financial specifics are kept secret, ESPN’s Shams Charania has confirmed that Udoka’s new deal is long-term, placing him among the NBA’s highest earners with a salary in the eight figures per season.

The Houston front office didn’t waste any time, reportedly stopping the Knicks from interviewing Udoka during their coaching transition. This level of confidence shows just how important he is to the Rockets’ resurgence.

Udoka’s extension isn’t just a single headline—it’s a crucial element of a wider rebuild. The Rockets have also secured veteran center Steven Adams with a three-year, $39 million deal, are looking to sort out Fred VanVleet’s $44.9 million team option, and continue to be involved in trade talks regarding Kevin Durant.

Under Udoka’s guidance, young stars like Alperen Şengün (an All-Star) and Amen Thompson (All-Defense) have blossomed, strengthening Houston’s future core.Also Read: LeBron James Pushes Back on NBA’s 'Ring Culture,' Says Team Titles Shouldn’t Define Individual GreatnessUdoka’s extension isn’t merely a headline—it’s a key part of a larger rebuild. The Rockets have also signed veteran center Steven Adams to a three-year, $39 million contract, are preparing to address Fred VanVleet’s $44.9 million team option, and are still engaged in trade discussions surrounding Kevin Durant. With Udoka at the helm, young talents like Alperen Sengun and Amen Thompson have thrived, reinforcing Houston’s future core.