In Monday’s breaking-news episode, Ben DuBose and Paulo Alves offer their immediate reactions to Houston’s decision to hire Ime Udoka as head coach of the Rockets.

Topics include the implications for Houston’s young roster and the franchise’s appeal entering 2023 free agency; what role Udoka’s past baggage played in the process; what the hire says about general manager Rafael Stone and Tilman Fertitta; and much more.

Udoka, 45, coached the Boston Celtics to the 2022 NBA Finals before being dismissed at the end of the subsequent offseason for an inappropriate workplace relationship. Prior to that, Udoka was an assistant with three teams over nine seasons, including seven alongside legendary head coach Gregg Popovich with the San Antonio.