The Houston Rockets wrapped up their 2023-24 campaign on a positive note, securing a road victory against the Los Angeles Clippers and concluding the season with a respectable 41-41 record. This marked a significant improvement of 19 games over the previous year, exceeding many preseason expectations.
Despite falling short of their objective to reach the NBA Play-In Tournament, the Rockets displayed considerable progress under the leadership of head coach Ime Udoka and general manager Rafael Stone. As they prepared for a scheduled press conference, breaking news emerged regarding Stone’s future with the organization.
During the year-end press conference, Stone and Udoka addressed various topics, including reflections on the past season, expectations for the upcoming season, and the possibility of contract extensions for young talents like Jalen Green and Alperen Sengun.
Stone remained open to the idea of extensions for Green and Sengun, indicating that while they might not occur immediately, they could be considered in the future.
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With the Rockets positioned to secure at least a top-nine pick in the upcoming draft, Stone discussed the potential impact of adding another young player to the roster and acknowledged the challenge of balancing playing time.
Coach Udoka revealed plans to continue working closely with players during the offseason, emphasizing the importance of building relationships and developing a strong foundation.
This commitment includes traveling to Turkey to train with Sengun, highlighting the dedication to player development within the organization.
Amidst preparations for the offseason, Udoka expressed pride in Green’s growth throughout the season, commending his resilience and perseverance despite facing initial challenges.
The camaraderie among players and the coaching staff’s hands-on approach underscores the Rockets’ commitment to progress and improvement moving forward.
