You’re at the stage where you want to win, and we’re not there yet,” Rockets coach Ime Udoka reportedly told James Harden in 2023 free agency.

Meet the all-gas, no-brakes Rockets, a modern-day version of the "Bad Boys" Pistons that is feisty and unapologetic.

The Houston Rockets are in the second year of the Ime Udoka era, and things are beginning to look like the vision the coach had when he was first hired back in April 2023. Udoka wants to lead a physical,

Udoka is already ahead of schedule after unlocking the Rockets' stingy defense with a mix of veteran leadership and young talent.

Houston Rockets GM Rafael Stone revealed Ime Udoka's high defensive expectations from sophomore Amen Thompson.

Houston Rockets coach Ime Udoka has quickly turned things around for the franchise. Upon arriving to Houston, the Rockets were under .500 for three consecutive seasons, but Udoka was able to pull things back in and get the Rockets to 41-41 last season.