Why the Rockets had to bring back Rafael Stone

On Wednesday reports surfaced that Houston Rockets GM Rafael Stone would be returning as the franchise's shot-caller in 2023-24. This was a rather important update, as rumors had been circulating that former Rockets GM Gersson Rosas could be back in the fold.

Not to mention that Bill Simmons had reported that the franchise was planning on parting ways with all of its top decision-makers. Of course, Simmons seemingly takes pride in trolling the franchise, so most of what he says about the Rockets must be taken with a grain of salt, but we've discussed that before.

Although it may have been a surprise for some and a disappointment for many, the Rockets didn't really have much of a choice, as it pertains to retaining Stone. In essence, the decision to bring him back next season was a rather easy and obvious one, for two overarching reasons.

Here's why.