Houston Rockets Daily Rocket Science: The Young and The Coach ‘Less’

The coaching search for the Houston Rockets has just gone from bad to worst in a matter of days. No disrespect to JB Bickerstaff but the Rockets have been without a coach since November.

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

Over the past several weeks, Houston has missed out on Tom Thibodeau and Dave Joerger. Two coaches who have experienced success with their former teams. Thibodeau, a former coach of the year winner with the Chicago Bulls in 2011.

Of note, please check out the excellent article by SCS very own Andre Cantalogo who wrote of 6 potential head coach candidates ranking them in order of who would be the best fit. (bottom of page)

Despite having Jeff Van Gundy, Mark Jackson, and Frank Vogel still on the market. According to Ryan Phillips of CBS Sports, The Rockets are set to meet with TNT’s analyst Kenny Smith later this afternoon.

"Kenny Smith will reportedly interview with the Houston Rockets for their vacant head coaching position on Tuesday. The Rockets might be trying to catch lightning in a bottle by giving Smith a chance. NBA teams seem to be looking for fresh perspectives from coaching hires in recent years. The Knicks recently tried that with Derek Fisher and the Warriors seem to have struck gold with Steve Kerr. Smith would just be the most recent example."

The former Rocket who won two championships in Houston has been part of Turner Sports‘ Inside the NBA since his retirement in 1997.

Although he has illustrated great basketball knowledge as an analyst, coaching this dysfunctional Rockets team is not the job for someone with no coaching experience.

Sure, it worked for Steve Kerr two years ago, yet he was heading to a team where Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green were ready to release their potential.

So Smith, please leave the Rockets’ coach vacancy to someone with experience. Someone like David Blatt. After ESPN‘s Marc Stein reported that the Rockets met with Blatt Monday afternoon, House of Houston‘s Brian Patterson shared his thoughts on the interview.

"This news comes as not too surprising as the Rockets have opened the floodgates in terms of compiling a list of potential candidates to coach this basketball team. But I like the intrigue of Blatt being able to take the reins of this team."

Blatt would not be the first option for many, but I would love to see him get a second chance at coaching in the NBA. Despite his dismissal from the Cleveland Cavaliers, Blatt knows basketball. He is one of the most successful international coaches in basketball history.

Even with the turmoil in Cleveland, he was still able to coach his team to the NBA Finals. So do not overlook Blatt. I’ll take him any day before Kenny Smith.

With Smith in Houston gearing up for his interview, he will have a chance to bond with one of his “potential players” later on tonight. According to David Barron of the Houston Chronicle, Dwight Howard will be a guest analyst Tuesday night on Inside the NBA.

"Howard, whose inability to lead the Rockets to the NBA Finals has made him a frequent target of the TNT analysts, was last seen on TNT as part of the spoof “Fishing in Cancun” postcard after the Rockets were eliminated from the playoffs by the Golden State Warriors."

Howard’s personality should fit well alongside Kenny Smith and Charles Barkley. However, do not get too excited thinking you have a chance to witness Howard and Shaquille O’Neal on the same set. Howard will be a substitute for Shaq. Who alongside Ernie Johnson have the night off.

That wraps up the Daily Rocket Science. Be sure to check out our Draft Prospect Series and our Year End Player Reviews.

Next: Grading Houston Rockets Head Coaching Candidates

Next: KJ McDaniels The Next Generation

Next: SCS Draft Prospect Series: Ben Simmons?

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