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Rockets' Offense Stagnates Under Ime Udoka Despite Star Additions
The Rockets' defense has improved, but the offense has failed to progress despite major roster changes.
Apr. 1, 2026 at 2:36am
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A deep dive into the Rockets' performance under head coach Ime Udoka reveals a troubling trend - the team's offense has not improved over the past three seasons, despite significant roster upgrades including the addition of superstar Kevin Durant. While the Rockets' defense has climbed the ranks, their offense has remained stagnant, raising questions about Udoka's ability to maximize the team's talent on that end of the floor.
Why it matters
The Rockets' inability to develop a consistent, high-powered offense could prevent them from becoming a true contender in the Western Conference, even with their defensive improvements. This raises concerns about Udoka's coaching acumen and the team's long-term trajectory under his leadership.
The details
Over the past three seasons under Ime Udoka, the Rockets have made significant roster changes, adding talents like Fred VanVleet, Dillon Brooks, Amen Thompson, Reed Sheppard, and most notably, Kevin Durant. However, the team's offensive output has remained virtually unchanged, scoring 114.3, 114.3, and 114.4 points per game in Udoka's three seasons. As league scoring has increased, the Rockets' offense has actually fallen from 16th to 20th in the NBA rankings during that time.
- In the 2022-23 season, the Rockets won 22 games and lost 60 under former head coach Stephen Silas.
- Ime Udoka was hired as the Rockets' head coach prior to the 2023-24 season, leading the team to a 41-41 record and a 20-win improvement.
- In the 2024-25 season, the Rockets surprised many by finishing with 52 wins, good for second in the Western Conference, before losing in the first round of the playoffs.
- This season, the Rockets have added Kevin Durant but are struggling to match their previous 52-win campaign, currently sitting at 45-29 with 8 games remaining.
The players
Ime Udoka
The Rockets' head coach, who was hired prior to the 2023-24 season after being fired by the Boston Celtics.
Kevin Durant
The superstar forward acquired by the Rockets in a trade this past offseason, who is currently the 5th all-time leading scorer in the NBA.
Fred VanVleet
The veteran guard signed by the Rockets in the 2023 offseason to bolster their roster.
Dillon Brooks
The wing player also added by the Rockets in the 2023 offseason, known for his defensive intensity.
Jalen Green
The young guard traded by the Rockets this past offseason as part of the deal to acquire Kevin Durant.
What’s next
The Rockets will look to finish the season strong and make a deep playoff run, but their offensive struggles under Ime Udoka raise questions about his long-term viability as the team's head coach.
The takeaway
Despite significant roster upgrades, including the addition of superstar Kevin Durant, the Rockets' offense has failed to improve under Ime Udoka's leadership, casting doubt on his ability to maximize the team's talent and develop a championship-caliber offense.
