On Sunday, the Los Angeles Lakers celebrated a legend by unveiling a bronze statue of former coach Pat Riley outside the Crypto.com Arena. Known for his remarkable career, including nine NBA championships, Riley also made a name for himself with his signature Giorgio Armani suits.
In a recent chat with the Lakers, Riley expressed a longing for the days when NBA coaches wore coats and ties on the sidelines, suggesting that the attire brings an added sense of leadership.
However, not everyone shares Riley’s sentiment. Houston Rockets head coach Ime Udoka, as reported by Rockets beat reporter Lachard Binkley, is quite content with the current dress code.
"No, thank you… For our comfort, packing, less thinking. I think all of the above.
They do a vote every year and I think 87% [of the coaches] say no," Udoka remarked.
Since 2020, the NBA Coaches Association has allowed a more relaxed dress code, letting coaches opt for team-issued polos, quarter-zips, and sweaters.
Ime Udoka’s Impact
Since taking the reins in 2023, Udoka has been instrumental in transforming the Rockets into a playoff powerhouse. The 2024-2025 season saw Houston finish with a 52-30 record, securing the second seed in the Western Conference and breaking a four-year playoff drought.
The addition of Kevin Durant last summer has certainly bolstered Udoka’s squad. Durant is delivering impressive numbers, averaging 25.8 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 4.6 assists per game, earning him an honorable mention in the latest NBA MVP Ladder.
The Rockets’ youthful core, featuring Alperen Sengun, Amen Thompson, and Jabari Smith Jr., is making waves as well. Despite being under 24, they are key contributors behind Durant in scoring.
Currently, Houston sits third in the Western Conference standings with a solid 36-21 record, trailing the Oklahoma City Thunder by 7.5 games for the top spot.
While not the outright championship favorites, the Rockets are certainly expected to be in the thick of the title conversation as April approaches.