JUST IN: Houston Rockets Head Coach Ime Udoka Reveals what Rafael Stone said to him before…

In a revelation that sheds light on the Houston Rockets’ strategic direction heading into the 2025 NBA offseason, Head Coach Ime Udoka shared a pivotal conversation he had with General Manager Rafael Stone just days before key roster decisions were made.

Speaking during a press conference this morning at the Toyota Center, Udoka disclosed that Stone gave him a clear and direct message: “We’re done rebuilding—it’s time to win.”

The statement, though brief, signals a significant shift in the Rockets’ organizational mindset. After several seasons of focusing on young talent development and high lottery picks, Houston appears poised to transition into a competitive phase, aiming for playoff contention in a stacked Western Conference.

“Rafael looked me straight in the eye and said, ‘No more patience. It’s time to push the button,'” Udoka told reporters. “That lit a fire under me and the coaching staff. We know what the expectations are now.”

The timing of this revelation is no coincidence. The Rockets have been linked in recent trade rumors involving veteran players and All-Star caliber talent. With a young core that includes Jalen Green, Alperen Şengün, Jabari Smith Jr., and Amen Thompson, adding experienced pieces could vault Houston back into the playoff picture.

Rafael Stone has been relatively quiet publicly in recent weeks, but insiders suggest he’s been active behind the scenes, fielding calls and exploring deals that could bring a major veteran presence to the roster.

When asked how that message from Stone will shape the team’s offseason approach, Udoka didn’t mince words:

“We’re targeting guys who’ve been there before. Leaders. Two-way players. We’re looking for fit, toughness, and playoff experience. The rebuild gave us the foundation. Now we’re ready to compete.”

Houston finished the 2024–25 season with a 39–43 record, just missing the play-in tournament. The narrow margin of exclusion has only fueled the team’s drive to make the next leap.

With the NBA Draft behind them and free agency around the corner, all eyes are now on Stone to see how he delivers on the promise of contention.