Houston Rockets: Why Kenny Smith Would Be A Great Fit
The Houston Rockets are uncharacteristically in midst of the off season as a result of the once highly-regarded but underachieving season that they’ve just had.
There are going to be tremendous changes on the horizon and I have no idea what this team is going to look like next season.
But I know with certainty that James Harden will be on the roster as he has emerged as the single cornerstone of the franchise as his working relationship with Dwight Howard is beyond irreparable.
But I honestly think that although general manager Daryl Morey was likely quick with the trigger finger, he still did McHale a favor.
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McHale was able to relax, do some television and radio spots and enjoy the $12 million in cash that he’s still owed.
Managing this team of misguided misfits is not an easy task and I imagine McHale was stressed out to no end with the situation magnified because of the Rockets unimpressive play early-in.
But we’re past that now and it’s time to go out and find a coach that will lead this team back to the upper echelon once again.
All of our heads have been spinning as us fans are trying to get a handle on who will be the Rockets 14th head coach.
And it seems that we’re no closer in regard to finding who that man will be any time soon…
As of Tuesday, the Rockets did get an opportunity to interview former Rocket and current TNT TV man Kenny Smith for the coaching vacancy.
Now Morey did say that he was going “outside the box” as far as creating the pool for a potential candidate to tap but this may be a bit extreme.
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But for all things considered, I like the possibility of Smith being the next Rockets’ coach.
Yep, I know, you’re already declaring that I’m crazy because he has no head coaching experience whatsoever.
But quite honestly, it shouldn’t be an inhibitor from him being considered.
Why?
This guy isn’t some “fly-by-night” poser but an astute basketball analyst that can work the marker on a dry-erase board as well as the stylus he uses for the telestrator on any given night during the week.
Not only that but his excellent communication skills would be a boon for the bench as his fiery, upbeat attitude emphatically will rub off the potential roster that he’d be coaching.
The same amount intense energy that he uses to run over to the video board breaking down plays during the telecast would seamlessly translate over to the sidelines at Toyota Center.
He certainly has the attributes to be a leader of men and has the type of personality that can relate to Harden and push him to maximize his potential.
There are many coaches that have stepped down from the broadcast booth to go and have marked success with their respective teams such as Doc Rivers, Doug Collins and even Mark Jackson.
So why can’t Smith enjoy the same success?
Yes, there is definitely is some risk in hiring him but the potential of Smith succeeding is an idea that I find quite intriguing.
Life is all about taking risks when they’re warranted and I certainly think this one the Rockets need to take on the Jet.
We need a guy with a creative, fresh mindset that will bring a lot to the table for team that’s badly in need of some sort of an identity.
The way he carries himself is certainly a plus as he is a dedicated family man and has the personal panache to be extremely marketable for the Rockets as he would potentially pace the sidelines.
That fact that he’s a two-time champion for the Rockets speaks volumes of how he can use that to motivate players.
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Yes, McHale was a three-time champion but for the Boston Celtics.
It’s a bit different when you’re actually relating with a guy that’s won championships for the same franchise that you’re working for.
In addition, Smith was a point guard for his entire career from start to finish — those types of players usually make the best coaches as they’re used to being the floor-general and willing the other four guys on the court to win.
The fact that Smith actually accepted the Rockets request for him to interview certainly indicates that he’s considering looking for a change.
He has been working for Turner Sports for nearly two decades and I’m sure he’s ready to start another chapter in his life.
Next: The Dwight Howard Factor
The Rockets don’t need a retread or revisit of their past in the coaching ranks but a fresh face with vivid ideas and the ability to dream big to accelerate this proud organization to new heights.
That man is Kenny Smith.
Come back home Jet, we’ll welcome you back with open arms just as we’ve always have…
Go Rockets.