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By Eric Jay Santos
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On Sunday, the Los Angeles Lakers honored former coach Pat Riley with a bronze statue outside of the Crypto.com Arena. In addition to winning nine NBA championships throughout his professional basketball career, Riley is known for sporting Giorgio Armani suits.
During recent media availability with the Lakers, Riley stated that he wished NBA coaches would go back to wearing coats and ties on the sidelines. He explained that the attire adds a stronger sense of leadership.
As captured by Houston Rockets beat reporter Lachard Binkley, Rockets head coach Ime Udoka expressed that he is not interested in returning to suits.
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"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."
As of 2020, the NBA Coaches Association has allowed coaches to wear team-issued polos, quarter-zips, and sweaters as part of the dress code.
Ime Udoka’s Impact
Since joining the Rockets in 2023, Udoka has helped mold the franchise into serious playoff contenders. For the 2024-2025 season, Houston finished with a 52-30 record and claimed the second seed in the Western Conference. This snapped a four-season dry spell of missing the playoffs.
With Kevin Durant being traded to the Rockets last summer, Udoka has more firepower in his arsenal. Durant is averaging 25.8 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 4.6 assists per game. He is an honorable mention on the latest edition of the NBA’s MVP Ladder.
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Other notable contributors include Alperen Sengun, Amen Thompson, and Jabari Smith Jr. The young core has yet to reach 24 years old, despite being the franchise’s top scorers behind Durant.
Houston holds the third spot in the Western Conference standings, with a 36-21 record. The franchise is 7.5 games from catching the Oklahoma City Thunder for the top position.
Although not championship favorites, the franchise is expected to be in the title conversation when April approaches.
For all the latest NBA news and rumors, head over to Newsweek Sports.
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