“You Cannot Play One Way”: Houston Rockets’ Coach Dismisses Small Ball Approach of His Predecessor
Follow Us
In the 2019-20 NBA season, the Houston Rockets used the small-ball strategy. At first, it was working fine, but in the playoffs, the Rockets were exposed.
As of now, playing without a center is very difficult, and the Rockets faced the consequences. They were sent home in the second round of the playoffs. This led to them firing Mike D’Antoni and hiring Stephen Silas as their new coach.
In a recent conference, Silas revealed his strategies for the upcoming season, where he talked about whether he wants to continue with the small-ball lineup.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
“In today’s NBA, you cannot play one way. Small ball can be a part of it. On the offensive end, we want to be a little less predictable. On the defensive end, the same thing. Playing against teams that have different ways of defending is tough. I want to be that team.
“What I will do [on offense] is try to make it easier. Put in a few little actions and be a little more versatile on the offensive end to let those guys play to their strengths. Not so much stand around with iso. Defensively, we’re going to have to improve. It’s going to take a little more structure and a little more discipline.”
#Rockets coach Stephen Silas: "In today’s NBA, you cannot play one way. Small ball can be a part of it. We want to be a little less predictable."
GM Rafael Stone: "I would anticipate we’ll provide Stephen with some more optionality to go big or small."https://t.co/YKgsl9y72P
— Ben DuBose (@BenDuBose) November 5, 2020
Over the last few seasons, the Rockets’ strength has been their offense. With James Harden as the spearhead, Houston paid little to no attention to defense. However, with Silas’ introduction, the team will play better defense.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
What’s next for the Houston Rockets?
The next season is quite important for the Rockets. For starters, their two superstars, James Harden and Russell Westbrook need to lead the team to a better record. But the issue is that the Rockets have little to no cap flexibility for the coming seasons.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
So even if they want to compete for a championship, they would have to run it back. All things considered, Stephen Silas has a tough job ahead of him. Unless Houston decides to trade Harden or Westbrook, this is a team Silas would have to improve and compete within the Western Conference.
Trending
Possible Shohei Ohtani Ban From MLB Has Shaq Questioning $700 Million Contract
April 16, 2024 05:20 PM EDT
7’4 Victor Wembanyama, Accused of Disrespecting Knicks Star, Gets MVP Shout-Out From Unbothered Jalen Brunson
April 19, 2024 02:58 PM EDT
After Nike, Sha’Carri Richardson Follows Lebron James Footsteps In Historic Partnership With Sprite
April 19, 2024 01:40 AM EDT
Is Dawn Staley Married? Details on South Carolina Coach’s Love Life and Special Bond With Lisa Boyer
March 16, 2024 06:41 PM EDT
Why Is Gabbie Marshall Not Invited to the 2024 WNBA Draft Despite Graduating From Iowa?
April 13, 2024 06:21 PM EDT
Get instantly notified of the hottest NBA stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.
Follow Us
What do you think? Will Silas help the Houston Rockets get over their hump?