The Rockets introduced head coach Ime Udoka on Wednesday, beginning a new era in Houston.
Udoka was viewed as one of the best candidates on the market after leading the Celtics to the NBA Finals last season in his first year as a head coach.
Udoka's time in Boston ended abruptly, as the organization elected to part ways with the Coach of the Year candidate after one season.
Ahead of the 2022-23 season, the Celtics suspended Udoka for "violations of team policies." While no specific details of the situation were ever officially released, Boston made it clear that it would re-evaluate Udoka's status at the end of the season.
After interim head coach Joe Mazzulla picked up where Udoka left off to start the season, the Celtics elected to make Mazzulla the permanent head coach in February.
More than seven months removed from the announcement of his suspension, Udoka has received a second chance in Houston. Here's what he had to say at his introductory press conference.
MORE: How Celtics brass addressed Udoka's suspension in preseason
What did Rockets coach Ime Udoka say at his introductory press conference?
At his introductory press conference, Udoka spoke on — and apologized for — his departure from the Celtics, as well as his growth in his one season away from the NBA.
According to The Athletic's Jay King, Udoka said he took leadership and sensitivity training and went to counseling with his son to help him deal with the situation.
You can find more comments from the presser below.
On the Rockets' hiring process and his growth in the past year
"I would say, in general, as [Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta] alluded to, they've done their due diligence and homework on who I am as a person. I think we've spent quality time together, getting to know each other, and it clicked pretty easily and pretty well," Udoka said.
"I released a statement months ago when everything happened and apologized to a lot of people for the tough position I put them in, and I stand by that. I feel much more remorse, even now, toward that."
"I spent this last offseason working on myself in a lot of different ways — improving in areas with a chance to sit back, reflect and grow, and I think that will make me a better coach, and overall, a better leader. The situation of the matter has been resolved, and I can't speak much about it."
Ime Udoka at Rockets introduction expresses remorse about Boston exit but says matter is resolved and doesn’t elaborate much. pic.twitter.com/heXsdka2Bp
— Chris Forsberg (@ChrisForsberg_) April 26, 2023
On if the Celtics were justified in letting him go
"My part in it was to take ownership and accountability for my part. They had a choice to make, a decision, and they went that route. My thing was own up to it, take responsibility and serve the suspension.
"I had to own it, honestly. Same thing I'll preach to the guys, I can't sit here and not take accountability myself. It was their right to go about it however they wanted to, and that's the choice they took."
Ime asked whether he thinks Boston was justified in dismissing him. pic.twitter.com/PjsgN33wNX
— Chris Forsberg (@ChrisForsberg_) April 26, 2023
Comments from Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta
On Ime Udoka's hiring process
"The NBA told me they felt very comfortable with Ime becoming the coach of the Houston Rockets. That felt good to me after a lengthy conversation," Fertitta said, according to the Houston Chronicle's Jonathan Feigen.
On giving Ime Udoka a second chance
"Some things maybe we shouldn't forgive people for, but I think what happened in his personal situation is definitely something we forgive for," Fertitta said, according to King.
On why Ime Udoka was the right head coach for the Rockets
"[Udoka] was one person we felt that was an exceptional candidate to take us to the next level. He is everything the Rockets are looking for. We did so much due diligence on this individual. He's going to hold these guys to toughness, respectability and accountability," Fertitta said, according to The Athletic's Kelly Iko.
