Bold opinions and heated debates have been at the core of the NBA. Few of these voices are as iconic—or controversial—as Charles Barkley’s. In a recent episode of NBA on TNT, Barkley’s criticism of the Houston Rockets’ Summer League Performance was not held back, dismissing the team with the cutting remark: “They don’t have any idea how to play basketball.” While Barkley’s words sparked a wave of online chatter, Oklahoma City Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault emerged as a defender of Rockets head coach Ime Udoka, offering a different perspective on the culture shift that has been taking the team by storm.

The criticism against the Rockets didn’t come out of nowhere. Following James Harden’s departure in 2021, Houston spiraled into one of the NBA’s worst records, logging a combined 59-177 win-loss tally over the past three seasons. But dismissing the Rockets entirely overlooks the early signs of progress under Ime Udoka, who took over as head coach in 2023.

Still, Barkley went on to state “They got a great future but they gonna have to learn discipline, they gonna have to learn how to take care of the ball, they gonna have to learn shot selection.”

Since Udoka’s arrival, the Rockets have made significant progress, particularly on defense. In 2022-23, they ranked 29th in defensive rating (119.1) and allowed 118.6 points per game. Under Udoka, they’ve climbed into the top 15 in defensive rating (111.7) and reduced opponents’ scoring to 112.4. Offensively, turnovers have dropped from 15.3 to 13.6 per game, and assists have improved from 22.1 to 24.7 per game.

After the Thunder faced the Rockets in a recent preseason matchup, Daigneault praised Udoka’s impact, saying, “Coach Udoka has established a culture of toughness there that is very potent and obvious. He’s done a great job. And then I think that the athleticism of their team… They’ve got a ledger of athletes at multiple spots and size.” This honest verdict highlights Udoka’s transformative work in Houston while also challenging Barkley’s claim.

He goes on to say “I think the cultural element of it, the personnel. And they play hungry, they’re playing hungry basketball every single night.” 

He looks back at the time when the Thunders had played them and states, “In the first 15 minutes of our game in Houston, they were the hungrier team and that really set the tone for that game and we found ourselves playing from behind because they were the aggressor. They have done that to a lot of people this year. They’re a really good team”. 

With this starkly different take on the team, Daigneault gives fans hope that the team can progress a lot faster now as the coach is here to build what was missing within them.

Players like Jabari Smith Jr. and Tari Eason have embraced more defined roles, while rookie Amen Thompson has showcased the versatility and grit that Udoka prizes. The team has invested in its young core, including picks like Jalen Green, Alperen Şengün, and Jabari Smith Jr. One of Udoka’s biggest challenges is transforming Houston’s defense from a liability to a weapon. And he is doing exactly that.

Houston’s rebuild: Patience, progress, and a promising future

During his time with the Celtics, Udoka orchestrated a defense that held opponents to just 104.5 points per game in the 2021-22 season, the best mark in the league. He emphasized switch-heavy schemes, relentless pressure, and team-wide accountability—principles he’s now introducing in Houston.

By leading the Boston Celtics to the NBA Finals in 2022, Udoka is known for bringing a no-nonsense approach to coaching. His short tenure in Houston has already begun to instill discipline and a defensive identity—two traits the Rockets have sorely lacked in recent years.

Houston’s journey mirrors OKC’s in many ways. Udoka is laying the groundwork for a brighter future by prioritizing defense and discipline. His ability to connect with players personally and demand accountability—qualities Daigneault highlighted—is precisely what Houston needs to turn the corner.

Daigneault’s endorsement is a reminder that success doesn’t come overnight. While Barkley’s critique reflected the frustration of the Rockets’ past struggles, it overlooked the changes made under Udoka. As the team continues to grow, Houston’s response to Barkley’s words would come from results on the court.