In what could be a symbolic move, new Rockets coach Ime Udoka will be the team’s on-stage representative at the 2023 NBA draft lottery on May 16, per Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chronicle.
General manager Rafael Stone served in that ceremonial role last year when Houston landed the No. 3 pick (Jabari Smith Jr.) in the 2022 first round. But Udoka carries a much higher profile than former head coach Stephen Silas, which may make him more of a natural fit to represent the Rockets in such settings.
Each year, the NBA allows teams owning the 14 non-playoff draft slots to choose who represents them as the order is counted down. Coaches, executives, owners, current players and former players are among the frequently used options, depending on the team.
General counsel Clay Allen will serve as Houston’s representative in the backstage room where the lottery is actually conducted, just as he has in each of the previous two years.
The prize of the lottery is 7-foot-4 French big man Victor Wembanyama, who is widely expected to be drafted No. 1.
New coach Ime Udoka to serve as Rockets' representative at NBA draft lottery https://t.co/7sqSnFh5vt via @houstonchron
— Jonathan Feigen (@Jonathan_Feigen) May 11, 2023
