Houston Rockets' Jae'Sean Tate Back to Full Health After Injury-Plagued Year

Tate is feeling great entering the 2023-24 campaign. But how will the four-year veteran fit under new coach Ime Udoka?

HOUSTON — Each morning at 7:30 a.m., Houston Rockets forward Jae'Sean Tate began his workout inside the Toyota Center. The summer of 2023 was different when compared to previous years for Tate.

Improving his on-court skill set was still a priority. But getting his body in good physical condition was Tate's main objective. 

"I have to give credit to the training staff here," Tate said. "They were with me every morning to make sure I was prepared for this moment. I am healthy. And with the training I've done over the summer, it has given me confidence in my body. I feel great."

An ongoing foot injury caused Tate to miss 51 games during the 2022-23 campaign. The injury made Tate's third year a nightmare, given that the 27-year-old forward only missed six games during his first two seasons.

He sustained the injury during preseason. And after making his season debut against the Utah Jazz on Oct. 26, the veteran forward was sidelined again after realizing he was not ready.

Tate's wounded ankle marked the first time he dealt with a significant injury since his college days at Ohio State. From his senior year of high school up until his rookie campaign with the Rockets, Tate dealt with major injuries each year. He relied upon the past to help him move beyond the injury-plagued season.

"My whole focus this offseason was to get back to being me," Tate said. "I have to give credit to our training staff. They have been with me hours and hours in the gym, helping me to get back to full strength. I am excited to see the work we put in this offseason pay off." 

Rockets forward Jae'Sean Tate (8) poses for a picture at Rockets media day at Toyota Center / Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

Tate believes he is in a great spot entering the 2023-24 campaign. He is not only hoping to stay healthy, but Tate wants to have an integral role in helping the Rockets get back to winning.

Houston has won a combined 59 games since the 2020-21 season, and Tate is the only player who has been at the forefront throughout the Rockets' entire rebuilding project.

"The rebuild is over," Tate said. "We have a lot of great additions and great pieces added to the roster this year, along with a new coaching staff...This is my fourth year. We all have the same focus. And that's getting back to winning." 

Similar to Stephen Silas, coach Ime Udoka adores Tate's versatility on both ends. During his introductory press conference in April, Udoka described his coaching ideology as toughness, respectability, accountability, and defense.

Each essential attribute for Udoka describes Tate as a player, which will keep him as a vital part of the Rockets' potential success.

"My position has changed throughout the three years I've been here," Tate said. "Just having the all-around feel of different positions and learning, I think I can be a valuable piece for this roster because I can be placed anywhere. That's my whole mindset. To be available. And to be ready."