On Wednesday, the Houston Rockets made a surprising move. They fired Head Coach Kevin McHale. The Rockets were 4-7 to start the season and on a four game losing streak. What kind of move is this for the Rockets?
Houston hired Kevin McHale on June 1st, 2011. His first year was a shortened 66 game schedule due to the NBA lockout. The Rockets went 34-32. It was the only year in the McHale era that they missed the playoffs. The best year for him was last year when they ended 56-26. That was second in the Western Conference, only Golden State had a better record. In the playoffs, they went all the way to the Western Conference Finals before falling to the Golden State Warriors in five games.
The Rockets were hoping this season they would once again go far in the playoffs. In the offseason, they made a trade with the Denver Nuggets for point guard Ty Lawson. He was brought in for his NBA and playoff experience. According to ESPN, Rockets General Manager Daryl Morey said, “The team was not responding to Kevin. There is no time in the West.”
This was a panic move. The Rockets were only 11 games into the season and should have done this move after 20 or 25 games. They would have a better idea of where their season is headed. They should have given McHale more time. The Rockets will turn to Assistant J.B. Bickerstaff. He will serve as interim coach.
McHale leaves the Rockets with a record of 193-130 with four playoff appearances. He had two more years left on the deal he signed last December. McHale should get another chance to coach in the NBA. He has proven he can take a team far in the playoffs. There will be a team who will want him to coach for them but it will take a while.
What do you think of the Rockets firing Kevin McHale?
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