In the 2022 offseason, then-head coach Stephen Silas referred to his playbook as basic, citing the extremely young ages of many players on the rebuilding roster of the Houston Rockets. He pledged to add more layers in future seasons as players matured.
It sounds as if Ime Udoka, the former Boston Celtics head coach who recently replaced Silas in Houston, has a different approach.
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In a question-and-answer (Q&A) interview session with Kelly Iko of The Athletic, Udoka was asked if the collective age of Houston’s group could impact the schematics he wants to implement.
Not at all. I think that goes with what I’m saying. You’ve all been playing basketball for a long time now. You’ve all been taught the game. I want guys that can catch on quickly but also adapt to what we’re trying to do.
I’m not gonna hold anything back defensively or schematically because we’re a young group, that’d be going against what I’m saying. I want guys to get up to speed quickly, have smart, cerebral players that can do a lot of different things. The versatility is a part of that, but I’m not going to dumb it down because we have a younger team. I’m expecting everybody to catch up to speed and be able to use their strengths to our advantage.
As Udoka alluded to, he made it clear in his initial press conference in Houston that youth would not be an excuse.
Thus, for young players like Jalen Green, Kevin Porter Jr., Alperen Sengun, Jabari Smith Jr., and beyond, it could be significant transition as they prepare for a 2023-24 season with higher expectations.
Iko’s complete interview with Udoka can be read here.
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