Ime Udoka's Coach of the Year case is being written by his team's elite offense

It goes without saying that the Rockets have been better than expected to start the season, but the most surprising part has easily been their offense. The entire offensive system has looked surprisingly fluid this season, with improved ball and player movement. Head coach Ime Udoka deserves a good deal of credit for this transformation and it should have him in the conversation for Coach of the Year early.

Udoka deserves his flowers this season

All throughout the summer, the Rockets' offense was a huge question mark after mediocre playoff results last season and few big offseason additions, other than the return of Fred VanVleet from injury. But it turns out VanVleet's return was a pretty big deal for this offense, and Udoka had enough tricks to reinvigorate the offense even when VanVleet isn't playing.

The Rockets have seen great offensive growth from their young players this season, which goes back to Udoka's coaching since last season. He and the Rockets front office were critcized for demanding too much of those youngsters a season ago, but clearly that experience has prepared them to level up this season. Whenever we see Jabari Smith Jr. nail a movement three with confidence or Alperen Sengun create his own offense, we need to remember Udoka's willingness to challenge them.

Sengun himself has risen to star status, but the system around him is also working better. This season, his teammates are getting themselves open and feeding him in the right spots. The Rockets have clearly made it a point to help Sengun thrive as an offensive hub by cutting effectively and screening for each other off the ball.

The Rockets' new offense makes them a title threat

Udoka's usual strengths on the defensive end continue to hold true for the Rockets too. It's led to them being arguably the best team in the league so far, and a real championship threat against any matchup. With a new and more effective offense in action, the Rockets can put up enough points even in the playoffs against better defensive intensity and scouting.

Even if the Rockets were expected to improve offensively this season with VanVleet back in the lineup, no one expected their current explosion. Houston is currently first in the NBA when it comes to offensive rating, up from 8th last season.

That level of improvement doesn't come from a single starter's return and some role player additions, unless that starter is a superstar. As good as VanVleet has been in his minutes, he is not a superstar. The credit has to go to the Rockets coaching for their new system and player development as well - and that's why Udoka should be in contention for the prized Coach of the Year award.

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