Something happened in Chicago on Tuesday that many watching the 2023 NBA draft lottery reveal may have yet to take notice of.
As the primetime event took place on national television, most fans and NBA players of the organizations represented on stage focused on what team top prospect Victor Wembanyama would suit up for next season. But the Houston Rockets made an underlying statement.
New head coach Ime Udoka represented Houston during the lottery, and it was more than just Udoka waiting to see where his team would draft in June. It was an opportunity for him to repair his image and show the sports world that he was worthy of a second chance.
Udoka was suspended and eventually fired by the Boston Celtics prior to the 2022-23 NBA season after leading that team to the 2022 NBA Finals. It was revealed after the Finals that Udoka was having an improper relationship with a staff member of the organization.
The news of the consensual affair sent shockwaves throughout the sports and entertainment industry, as the revelation of the situation impacted the long-term relationship between Udoka and his then-fiancé, actress Nia Long. The two would later split, as more allegations of the affair were subsequently released to the media.
After nearly a year away from the NBA, Udoka was given a second chance to be a head coach when the Rockets hired him in late April.
“I take responsibility for my part in it,” Udoka said of his personal baggage at his introductory press conference with the Rockets. “I took leadership and sensitivity training, and some counseling with my son to help him improve the situation I put him in.”
In attendance for that press conference was owner Tilman Fertitta, who said he got approval from the NBA to hire Udoka. Furthermore, Fertitta said he discussed the situation with Gretchen Sheirr, president of business operations for the Rockets.
“I discussed it with the president of our organization, who is a woman, and she was very comfortable,” Fertitta said. “We’re a forgiving world, and anybody that isn’t forgiving, then shame on them.”
So, as Udoka sat on the stage in Chicago and waited to hear where his new team would be making its first selection in the draft, the stoic figure who rarely shows emotions sat in a seat facing a television audience that may still wonder if he has truly changed his ways. Ultimately, it was the first step on a road to redemption.
The second step is showing the NBA and Rockets fans that his one year with Boston wasn’t a fluke, and that he can help a rebuilding team begin a climb in the Western Conference standings.
“We can add through the draft, but we also have to develop the guys we have,” Udoka said after the lottery. “We’ll look forward to adding a good piece to what we already have and have our young guys take a leap, and look to do good things next year. The scouting department and front office have done a lot more behind the scenes, but we feel we will have a really great player at the four spot.”
