Ime Udoka reveals the forgotten ingredient to the Rockets' roster-building success

With their trade for Kevin Durant, the Houston Rockets have elevated themselves into genuine championship contention this season, capitalizing upon the years they have spent cultivating and developing a young core with a mentality that is completely bought in to the team's ultimate mission.

Head coach Ime Udoka, in speaking to the press on Wednesday, remarked on the faith that the organization has shown in both him and their budding young core, citing that trust as a key factor in the development of the Rockets' current culture.

""I think we’re all on the same page. The progress we’ve taken about developing guys, but at the same time, winning and trying to develop those habits... We’re all on the same page. Ownership, the front office, the coaches and players. All headed towards the same goal. That’s reflected by my contract, but also the commitment we have with the players that we signed.""

Ime Udoka via Michael Shapiro

Now, as the Rockets attempt to rival the behemoths of the Western Conference such as the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Denver Nuggets, this faith is paying massive dividends.

The Rockets are one of the most well-run organizations in the NBA, and it's finally showing

For Rockets fans, this season, and the team's genuine hopes for a championship, have been nothing short of refreshing.

With the acquisition of Durant, the team has revamped its entire offensive attack, and, now, they are fourth in the NBA in offensive rating, second in defensive rating, and fifth in points per game just over a quarter of the way into the season. As promising as they looked during the 2024-25 campaign, this version of the team has already reached heights that last year's squad was held back from as a result of their overwhelming youth and playoff inexperience.

Yet, it's important to remember that the Rockets were not just built through the Durant trade. Their current construction, and the winning mindset that permeates their roster, is the result of years of development and roster-building.

Not only did Houston select well in the draft, taking Alperen Sengun, Amen Thompson, Jabari Smith Jr., Tari Eason and Reed Sheppard all within the last five years, they also surrounded those players with veterans, such as Fred VanVleet and Dillon Brooks, who could help them learn the consistent approach needed to win at the NBA level.

As Udoka notes, they have also furnished their young players with reasonable extensions when the time has come, signifying their faith in the vision they have cultivated. While it remains to be seen how Eason's restricted free agency will play out, one would imagine that the organization will do everything in their power to bring back a player as beloved as he is.

Therefore, as the Rockets find success this season, Udoka has issued a potent reminder. This is not just the result of a gamble on a superstar trade; it is the fruit of years of a careful and intentional organizational approach.