Hailing Praise for ?Great Great? Ime Udoka, Stephen A. Smith Gives Rockets Flowers for Rejecting James Harden

The Houston Rockets have been one of the worst teams in the NBA since James Harden left the team in 2021. They have missed the playoffs for the last three years and finished as the 14th seed in the Western Conference last season. But this season has been different for the Houston Rockets. They gave their head coaching job to Ime Udoka and made several big moves this off-season to improve their roster.

Their former superstar, James Harden, also wanted to return to Houston after his fallout with the Philadelphia 76ers. But the Rockets decided to bet on their young squad and passed on The Beard. Veteran Analyst Stephen A. Smith praised Ime Udoka for his incredible start to the season and gave the Rockets flowers for rejecting James Harden.

Stephen A. Smith praises Ime Udoka and the Houston Rockets

On The Stephen A. Smith Show, Stephen A. talked about the Houston Rockets? fiery start to the season after passing on James Harden. The Beard wanted to return to Houston and retake his position as the franchise leader. But Ime Udoka and the Rockets wanted to focus on the rebuild and rejected the 10-time All-Star. That was a brilliant decision as the Rockets are currently on a 6-game winning streak and sitting on the 4th spot in the Western Conference standings.

?This coach that took the Boston Celtics to the NBA Finals in his first year and only year as the coach has reemerged on the scene and has reminded everybody and their mother what a great great coach he is.? Stephen A. said on his show. Ime Udoka has turned the season around for the Houston Rockets after losing the first three games of the season. They have won six consecutive games, with their last win coming over the reigning Champions, the Denver Nuggets. Meanwhile, James Harden is yet to win his first match this season. So, it looks like rejecting the Beard was the right decision for the Rockets.

The new look Houston Rockets are scary

Another reason for the Houston Rockets? early success has been the great off-season moves by the management. They added several talented players, including Fred VanVleet, Dillon Brooks, and Jeff Green. These moves brought veteran presence and Championship experience to the young Rockets locker room. That has helped young stars like Alperen Sengun and Jalen Green elevate their game to the next level.

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Sengun is leading the Rockets in points and rebounds, averaging 19.4 points and 8.2 rebounds. At 6?9, Sengun?s skillset is similar to that of Nikola Jokic. He might be the next young superstar that Houston builds their franchise around. Houston has flourished in Ime Udoka?s leadership, and it will be interesting to see how the season pans out for the new-look Houston Rockets.

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Do you agree with Stephen A.? Was rejecting Harden the right decision from the Rockets or will they need someone with his individual skill late in the season?