Rockets Riding High with Four New Shooters; Udoka Faces Major Responsibility as Legendary Coach Gives Praise

Recently, many fans have questioned Rockets head coach Ime Udoka, believing that after team losses he often defends himself with various explanations, such as blaming poor player form, a lack of team effort, or even injuries as reasons to avoid responsibility. Some believe that as the head coach, Udoka should take the initiative to accept responsibility for the team's defeats instead of repeatedly looking for scapegoats to reduce his own accountability.

However, starting next season, the Rockets' roster is expected to look exceptionally strong. Although some people compare the Rockets with the Philadelphia 76ers' star-studded lineup and believe the former is helpless, with only Sengun as a true star, the reality is that Houston's roster depth has improved. Philadelphia, meanwhile, has three to four superstar-level players such as Embiid, Jaylen Brown, and James, giving them a more luxurious collection of resources.

Last season, the Rockets' main problems were a lack of a primary point guard and quality perimeter shooters. Their outside shooting ability was particularly limited, which made it difficult for Durant and Sengun to find solutions when facing double teams in crucial moments, resulting in several losses in games they should have won.

During this offseason, although the Rockets did not acquire a superstar player, they have signed four highly promising perimeter shooters in succession, including veteran guard Bogdanovic on a minimum contract and veteran Smart, who once helped the Lakers eliminate the Rockets. They also signed two-way rookie point guard Copeland, as well as Thornton, who shot over 40% from three-point range in the Summer League.

With the help of so many new shooters, the Rockets' weakness in perimeter shooting next season, especially their three-point firepower, should no longer be a major issue. Along with VanVleet's return, the Rockets will have more options when shooting from the outside in the future.

A respected coach, former Rockets head coach Mike D'Antoni, has also expressed approval of the current Rockets roster. He believes the current lineup combines offensive ability with shooting strength, and that coaching the Rockets would be very enjoyable if he had the opportunity because he would have many talented players at his disposal. D'Antoni is clearly satisfied with Houston's offseason additions, believing the team has combined elite-level defense with powerful offense.

If the Rockets could only defend but could not shoot last season, then they will undoubtedly perform well in both areas in the new season. The four newly signed perimeter shooters provide better shooting options, and for the Rockets this will be a new beginning. If Udoka still cannot lead the Rockets to a higher level next season, there will truly be no excuses. The challenge for him is greater this year, with VanVleet and Adams returning along with the newly added shooters. If the Rockets fail to make progress again, his responsibility will naturally be clear.