Rockets hire former Celtics coach Ime Udoka

Former Boston Celtics head man Ime Udoka agreed to a deal to become the next head coach of the Houston Rockets.

"Ime's intelligence, drive, and toughness were the traits we were looking for in a coach to lead our team through this next stage of our development as we strive to become a champion," said Rockets general manager Rafael Stone.

The Rockets investigated the circumstances of Udoka's Celtics departure with the team and league office, according to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski. The Celtics suspended Udoka for one year in September after an independent investigation by a law firm reportedly determined he had an inappropriate relationship with a female staff member and used crude language with her before the relationship started. Udoka led Boston to the 2022 NBA Finals in his only season as head coach.

The Celtics promoted assistant Joe Mazzulla as interim coach in September, and he was given the full-time job in February.

Houston and Udoka moved quickly on finalizing the hire after the initial meeting even though both sides had other options, Wojnarowski added, citing sources.

Former Los Angeles Lakers coach Frank Vogel and former Charlotte Hornets James Borrego were also candidates for the Rockets job, sources told Wojnarowski.

Udoka was reportedly a candidate for the Detroit Pistons' and Toronto Raptors' coaching vacancies. The 45-year-old decided against pursuing the Raptors job, according to Wojnarowski.

The Rockets parted ways with Stephen Silas after he amassed a 59-177 record over three seasons with the franchise.

A seven-year NBA veteran, Udoka previously spent time with the San Antonio Spurs, Philadelphia 76ers, and Brooklyn Nets as an assistant coach.