Houston Rockets Daily Rockets Science: Don’t Worry Be Happy

In the Daily Rocket Science SCS takes a look at the Houston Rockets news and notes from around the web

Since the hiring of their new head coach, there has been plenty of unhappy fans in Clutch City, and it is easy to understand why.

The Houston Rockets had a chance to hire Tom Thibodeau, Dave Joerger, and even a possible reunion with their former coach Jeff Van Gundy. Sadly, Houston felt that Mike D’Antoni was the best available candidate for the team. 

With many frustrated fans ready to depart from the Rockets bandwagon. Jerome Solomon of the Houston Chronicle says fans cannot blame Rockets’ owner Leslie Alexander for the hiring of Mike D’Antoni.

"The hot take for the snap-chatting, Instagramming, thumb-tweeters, is to slam the Rockets for hiring Mike D’Antoni. I so want to be one of the cool kids, but on this one, I can’t even. Leslie Alexander likes sure things. He wanted to hire Gregg Popovich, but the San Antonio Spurs coach wasn’t available. If the choice is to go with an unknown versus someone who has been successful in the NBA, Alexander prefers the latter. That is why D’Antoni earned the nod over Stephen Silas."

Although D’Antoni’s hiring was a huge disappointment to many, it could have easily been worse. The Rockets could have hired Spurs assistant Stephen Silas. At least D’antoni has had a few successful seasons as a head coach. However, for a team who averaged 106.5 points on 45 percent shooting last season, D’Antoni is not the right coach for the Rockets.

Daryl Morey should have forced Alexander on finding a coach who could upgrade Houston’s defense. D’Antoni’s poor defensive strategies are the reasons his Phoenix Suns never won a championship. Personally, I would have much rather seen Houston give J.B. Bickerstaff another chance before D’Antoni.

Speaking of Bickerstaff, there is a high possibility that the former interim head coach may not be without a job for long. According to Today’s Fastbreak News, Bickerstaff met with Rockets’ division rivals Memphis Grizzlies for their open coaching assistant position.

"J.B. Bickerstaff was reportedly in Memphis on Friday night, according to John Martin of 929ESPN. Not so the former Houston Rockets interim head coach could have a cup of coffee, but to meet with the Grizzlies regarding a potential assistant coaching position in the organization. David Fizdale, , was the one who reportedly met with Bickerstaff. Bickerstaff would bring with him the experience of taking over a veteran team on the fly. That’s something that Fizdale might have to do — depending on who, or how many, of Memphis’ stars return to play in the National Basketball Association while wearing a Grizzlies uniform. who was just officially named the new Grizzlies head coach"

Overall, it does not matter who the coach is for next season. The biggest question for the Rockets this summer is finding players who are willing to play with James Harden.

By far, The Beard is one of the league’s best premiere talents. Unfortunately, his ball dominance and lack of effort on the defensive end may make Houston an unappealing destination this summer.

With the Rockets still in need of a point guard who has the capability of helping Harden, Inquisitr Daniel Benjamin has reported that Houston has now placed  Brandon Jennings on their free agency radar.

"Beverley If they can’t land any top tier free agents, Houston could go after point guards Brandon Jennings and Jerryd Bayless as backups to Patrick as Smith noted. For help in the front court, the Rockets could pursue Ryan Anderson and Mirza Teletovic. Other possibilities include Marvin Williams, Jeff Green, Derrick Williams, Marreese Speights, and Al Jefferson. Jennings struggled this season for the both the Detroit Pistons and Orlando Magic. He is a shoot first point guard though he is a good distributor. The 26-year old appeared in just 48 games, producing his worst stat lines of his career."

Regardless of the players Houston sign, next season will be a better year. Even with Mike D’antoni running the show.  So don’t worry Rockets fan. Just relax and be happy!

Next: Houston Rockets Draft Prospect: Malachi Richardson

Next: Houston Rockets Draft Prospect: Domantas Sabonis

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