“They are not good because they have great talent, look who they are coached by” – T-Mac credits Ime Udoka for the Rockets’ success originally appeared on Basketball Network.
Looking back at the 2024-25 season, several teams performed well despite not having a household name on their roster. The Oklahoma City Thunder and the Cleveland Cavaliers come to mind, the two teams that ruled at the top of their respective conferences.
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But for NBA Hall of Famer Tracy McGrady, the Houston Rockets deserve some recognition, too. They were a squad that most hardly gave a chance this season, but gave a good account of themselves. For T-Mac, the Rockets’ progress is primarily attributed to head coach Ime Udoka.
“Look at the Rockets. They’re not good because they got great talent. Look who they’re coached by,” McGrady said on “The Young Man and The Three”. “Look who he was coached by. Look who he was taught by, right? Like that sh—t is trickling down.”
Udoka is best known for his defensive-minded philosophy and intense style. For Tracy, Ime’s character has rubbed off on the Rockets, proving that the game is not purely about X’s and O’s but also about mentality.
“That toughness. That understanding of each possession and that… approaching the game the right way. Your preparation. He’s instilling all that sh—t,” McGrady continued. “Look how he’s on the sideline getting into it with some players? Ime is a rough motherf—r. And he don’t take no sh—t. And I think his team understands that. I think they really embody that when they out there on the court.”
Udoka has given the Rockets’ identity
Ime, who previously led the Boston Celtics to the NBA Finals in his first year as head coach, brings a coaching pedigree rooted in accountability and physicality. These are traits that have started to define this young Rockets team. McGrady believes that these directly reflect the tone Udoka sets daily in practice, film sessions, and games.
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In an NBA era where player empowerment and friendly locker rooms dominate, Udoka’s raw and demanding style might seem out of place. However, according to McGrady, it’s exactly what the Rockets needed.
While Houston isn’t yet a championship threat, T-Mac believes the foundation being laid can carry them there soon. For a franchise that has struggled with identity in recent seasons, McGrady’s words serve as both praise and promise — that under Udoka, the Rockets are finally becoming a team with a clear and tough-minded culture.
Udoka never leaves anything to chance
During his heyday, Ime was a hard-nosed player. He wants his players to have the same mentality and to give it their all when they are on the floor, giving it their all to help the team win.
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One notable player who can attest to the fiery nature of the champion assistant coach is Fred VanVleet. He admits that Udoka maintains his intense character even if the Rockets appear to have the game in the bag.
“At halftime, you could be up 17; he’s mad about whatever. He’s always mad about something. I think we kind of take on that personality on, and we play with that, especially defensively,” FVV shared.
Hence, it is hardly surprising that the Rockets have had some success with that mindset. Although they failed to go deep this postseason, the succeeding years should differ. Houston will be a team to watch out for as long as they stay the course.
This story was originally reported by Basketball Network on Jun 19, 2025, where it first appeared.