Rockets could benefit from Conference rival's shocking decision

The Houston Rockets will return to the playoffs in 2024-25. It's an exciting time for their fans. Yet, there remains skepticism about this team.

It's understandable. The Rockets will be one of the youngest teams in the Western Conference playoffs this year. That inexperience could prove problematic. If Houston suffers a one-sided loss in the first round, that will be the prevailing explanation.

It will also be fine.

The Rockets are young. They have a surplus of assets. Whatever happens to them this year, the energy around this team is distinctly positive.

The same can't be said for one of their most formidable Conference rivals.

Rockets' rivals fire head coach

The news is reverberating around NBA circles. The Grizzlies have decided to let go of Taylor Jenkins.

Coaches get fired. The NBA's coaching circuit is like a game of musical chairs. Just as guys are getting comfortable in their seats, it's time to get up - but they should find another seat before long. Jenkins is well-respected, but Memphis is disappointed with their progress in 2024-25 and wants to go in a different direction.

That's fine - in a vacuum. In practice, the timing of the Grizzlies' decision is a bit odd:

They've got just 9 games remaining until the playoffs get underway.

Their first-round opponents could be the Rockets.

Rockets' rivals are falling apart at the right time

If the playoffs started today, that wouldn't be the case. The Grizzlies are the 5 seed. Still, they hold a tenous three-game advantage on the seventh-seeded Warriors.

Most Rockets fans would have agreed that the Grizzlies would be a better matchup for the Rockets before these developments. Now, that feels overwhelmingly true. The Grizzlies will still be adjusting to new leadership, while the Rockets should look cohesive. Their relative inexperience may be a moot point with the Grizzlies adjusting to new schemes and principles.

That's one point - but there's a larger advantage. As young as the Rockets are, the Grizzlies aren't a senior citizen's home, either. They should be on similar timelines. Could firing Jenkins be a sign of things to come?

Often, a head coach firing portends a collapse. Trade requests could follow. If the Grizzlies are about to reset the rebuilding cycle, that's one less fearsome opponent blocking the Rockets' path to the NBA Finals for years to come.

Perhaps that's putting the cart before the horse. The Grizzlies could respond positively to their next head coach. This could make them better. Still, it's a sign of instability, and the stable Rockets could capitalize.

If they're lucky, they'll get the opportunity early into the playoffs.