​  Ime Udoka coached Marcus Smart to the 2022 NBA Defensive Player of the Year award and an NBA Finals appearance in Boston, making Houston a logical landing spot if Smart reaches free agency. GettyMIAMI, FLORIDA – MAY 29: Head Coach Ime Udoka of the Boston Celtics talks with Marcus Smart #36 against the Miami Heat during the third quarter in Game Seven of the 2022 NBA Playoffs Eastern Conference Finals at FTX Arena on May 29, 2022 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) GettyMarcus Smart’s relentless hustle made him one of the Lakers’ most impactful midseason additions, but a new insider report says the Rockets could challenge Los Angeles to sign the veteran guard in free agency. GettyThe Houston Rockets have spent the past two years transforming from a rebuilding franchise to a playoff team.Now they’re searching for the final ingredient.Veteran leadership.After back-to-back first-round playoff exits, the Rockets have emerged as a serious contender to sign Marcus Smart should the former NBA Defensive Player of the Year decline his player option with the Los Angeles Lakers and enter free agency.According to NBA insiders Marc Stein and Jake Fischer, Houston is expected to pursue Smart, potentially reuniting him with head coach Ime Udoka.The move would represent another step in the Rockets’ transition from developing young talent to chasing championships.Rockets Eye Ime Udoka Reunion With Marcus SmartGettyIme Udoka and Marcus Smart could be reunited in Houston.Stein and Fischer reported late Friday that Houston has positioned itself as one of the leading suitors if Smart declines his $5.4 million player option.“The Rockets do, however, loom as a possible free agent destination for another one of Udoka’s former players in Boston: Marcus Smart,” the insiders wrote in The Stein Line.“League sources say that Smart, who is expected to draw interest from Houston and possibly other teams in free agency, is very much giving consideration to declining his $5.4 million player option for next season with the Lakers before Monday’s deadline to do so and then proceed to the open market.”The connection extends far beyond familiarity.Udoka coached Smart during the 2021-22 season in Boston, when the veteran guard captured the NBA Defensive Player of the Year Award, becoming the first guard since Gary Payton in 1996 to win the honor.That same season, Smart and Udoka led the Celtics to the NBA Finals, taking a 2-1 series lead over Stephen Curry and the Golden State Warriors before ultimately falling in six games.A reunion would pair Udoka once again with one of the league’s premier defensive leaders.Rockets Have Shifted Into Win-Now ModeHouston’s reported pursuit aligns with the organization’s stated philosophy.After acquiring two-time Finals MVP       ​Read More