HOUSTON — As part of the introductory press conference for new head coach Ime Udoka, Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta let a secret slip when it comes to the franchise’s near-term outlook.
“We’re the only team that has their own private 767 [aircraft] to fly around in,” Fertitta said in response to a question about spending. “We’re building a 70-million-dollar practice facility right now.”
Since opening Toyota Center in 2003, the Rockets have trained on a single practice court inside the building. Fertitta, who bought the franchise in October 2017, has stated a desire on multiple occasions since then to build a new facility with multiple practice courts.
“I really screwed up. We wanted to do a real formal announcement,” Fertitta said. “We were hoping it would be ready for next season, but just with permitting and everything — we’ll lay it all out for you guys soon. And it’s really exciting. It’s gonna be great. It’s in the Galleria area. I think it’ll be a great tool to recruit players.”
With next season unlikely due to permitting issues, it sounds as if the tentative opening date is in the 2024 offseason.
