Ime Udoka’s Future with the Knicks Uncertain

Ime Udoka might not be on the Knicks’ shortlist for coaching candidates anymore.

He’s currently under contract with the Rockets through 2027, which means that the Knicks would need permission from Houston just to interview him.

Additionally, the Knicks would have to work out some sort of compensation with the Rockets to even consider hiring him.

It seems that Houston is not keen on making that happen. According to a report, they “have no interest in entertaining it.”

The Knicks recently parted ways with coach Tom Thibodeau after they were knocked out in six games by the Pacers in the Eastern Conference Finals.

Thibodeau spent five years with the Knicks, guiding them to the postseason in four of those seasons.

Knicks President Leon Rose expressed the organization’s commitment to winning, stating, “This pursuit led me to a difficult decision to let Tom Thibodeau know that we’re moving in another direction. I fully appreciate the effort he put into his role as the head coach.”

Rose continued, “In the end, we made the decisions we think are the best for the organization to move forward. Tom has always been part of the Knicks family, and we wish him all the best.”

Despite some off-court issues, Udoka is still regarded as one of the top coaches in the NBA.

He took the Celtics to the NBA Finals during his first season, although they ultimately lost to the Warriors in six games.

His time with Boston was brief; he was suspended and later let go due to alleged inappropriate relationships with female staff members.

Udoka has been the head coach for the Rockets for the last two seasons, transforming the team’s performance significantly.

In the past season, the Rockets achieved a solid 52-30 record, finishing second in the Western Conference, although they were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs by the Warriors.

Prior to Udoka’s arrival, the Rockets had struggled, not winning more than 22 games in four consecutive seasons.