Ime Udoka at open practice: Rockets want to change perception of organization

At Sunday’s open practice, Ime Udoka says his #Rockets want to be a team in 2023-24 that “changes the perception of the organization.”

The Rockets transitioned their 2023-24 NBA training camp back to Houston for Sunday’s open practice with fans at Toyota Center. The first four days were held in Lake Charles, Louisiana, and the team is gearing up for Tuesday’s home preseason opener.

As part of a roundtable conversation on the court with play-by-play broadcaster Craig Ackerman and Hall of Fame legends Hakeem Olajuwon and Clyde Drexler, head coach Ime Udoka told fans his team wants to “change the perception of the organization.”

Coming off three straight years with the worst record in the Western Conference, the best way for the Rockets to accomplish that mission is to exceed expectations in terms of wins and losses. While they’re still widely viewed as a young and rebuilding team, Houston supplemented its young core this offseason with key veteran signings such as Fred VanVleet, Dillon Brooks and Jeff Green.

Here’s a look at many of Sunday’s top moments, along with select interviews and analysis by fans and media members in attendance.