(Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
After several disappointing seasons, the Houston Rockets appear to finally be heading in the right direction as they put up an impressive 2023-24 NBA season.
The Rockets brought in several veteran players during the last free agency period, most notably Fred VanVleet and Dillon Brooks, to pair with their young talent headlined by Alperen Sengun and Jalen Green.
However, the most impactful move was bringing in head coach Ime Udoka, who changed the culture in the organization by preaching defense and accountability.
With Udoka manning the sidelines, Houston made a strong run at the Play-In Tournament, though they fell just short and are likely to miss out on the postseason.
Ahead of their matchup against the Dallas Mavericks, Udoka praised general manager Nico Harrison for assembling the team he did, via Brad Townsend of Dallas Morning News.
“Great job by Nico and those guys, putting that team together,” Udoka said.
Ime Udoka on the Mavs: “Great job by Nico and those guys, putting that team together.”
— Brad Townsend (@townbrad) April 7, 2024
Dallas has a bona fide superstar in Luka Doncic and a strong No. 2 option in Kyrie Irving backing him up.
However, Harrison was able to give his two star guards plenty of help as he also swung trades for P.J. Washington and Daniel Gafford at the NBA trade deadline to give them more versatility in the frontcourt.
The Mavericks could be a dangerous team come the playoffs, especially with Doncic and Irving leading the way offensively.
While Udoka is clearly impressed with the job that Harrison’s done, he’s got to focus on getting his own team to the same level as they’ve definitely got pieces to make a leap next season.
The post Ime Udoka Shows Respect To Mavericks Executive appeared first on The Cold Wire.