Kevin McHale: “This Isn’t Match.com”

Sep 27, 2013; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets head coach Kevin McHale poses for a picture during media day at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

It’s no secret that Kevin McHale is among the funniest head coaches in the NBA. Known for his mix of witty one-liners and sarcastic responses, the Houston Rockets coach added to his comedic profile Sunday when he compared his team to an online dating service.

McHale spoke about fitting in the team’s new pieces after the Rockets second official practice, and used his playing days with the Boston Celtics as an example:

“We stepped on the court and our games complemented each other, and if we didn’t say a word to each other, it (still) fit,” said McHale, recalling his title-winning days with the Celtics. “Two guys can get along great, they can be best friends, they can have dinner every single night and still not be able to play together – that doesn’t make any difference. It’s how they play together and that’s really honestly what it is.

“You can’t force chemistry. This isn’t Match.com. (Our players) are going to have to go out there and find chemistry. There’s no guaranteeing anything. Until you’ve done it, there’s no guaranteeing you will do it.

“The best thing is that, when it really happens naturally, is when you play with guys where your skill level complements them and their strength complements your weakness, and it just flows. The stuff they can’t do, you do very well. And the stuff you can’t do, they do very well. And you go out and play and it fits.”

While the Rockets made huge efforts to develop chemistry this off-season with the new pieces, primarily Dwight Howard, it will still be a work in progress to establish in-game chemistry. Meanwhile, don’t be surprised if Match.com becomes a sponsor for the Rockets.