Head coach Ime Udoka hoping to improve Houston's off-court chemistry

While the Rockets had a solid 2025-26 season by many accounts, finishing fifth-place in the Western Conference despite season-ending injuries to both Fred VanVleet and Steven Adams, Houston head coach Ime Udoka is still hopeful to help his team improve in a few areas entering the 2026-27 campaign. A

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While the Rockets had a solid 2025-26 season by many accounts, finishing fifth-place in the Western Conference despite season-ending injuries to both Fred VanVleet and Steven Adams, Houston head coach Ime Udoka is still hopeful to help his team improve in a few areas entering the 2026-27 campaign.

According to Udoka, a particular area of emphasis will be camaraderie, calling off-court chemistry an "area we need to improve on." Considering the rumored turmoil that existed last season over speculated social media activity from franchise star Kevin Durant, the Rockets are hoping to "be more of a tight-knit group." Known as a locker room leader, recent free agent acquisition and former Defensive Player of the Year Award winner Marcus Smart should

help on that front, as well as the aforementioned duo of VanVleet and Adams, who are now fully healthy.

Having finished just two wins behind third place (Denver Nuggets) a season ago, a tightly bonded Rockets squad could be a difference maker during the 2026-27 season.

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This article originally appeared on Rockets Wire: Head coach Ime Udoka hoping to improve Houston's off-court chemistry