Houston Rockets: Why Tilman Fertitta is seeking a new practice facility

The Houston Rockets have soared to a 14-4 record with all of the talent they have on board, despite having lackluster practice facilities. But with the latest development from Houston Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta, that’s going to change soon.

The Houston Rockets have let the public know an interesting wrinkle in regard to something I didn’t know that’s of big concern by the team. Since Tilman Fertitta has taken over the reigns of ownership from long-time owner Leslie Alexander, news keeps pouring out of 1510 Polk in regard to changes for the better.

Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chronicle reports that the Houston Rockets plan on moving their practices off site in a brand-new facility. For the past 14 years, since the Toyota Center opened in 2003, the team has practiced on on-site. One would think that’s the most convenient option but since the team only has one practice court, it makes it difficult to maximize productivity with the multiple drills that all of the coaches want to run.

If there’s an event that’s scheduled at the arena, then the main playing surface is not available for the guys to use, limiting their ability to work on all aspects of their game to get even better at what they do.

I’m sure Mike D’Antoni and his staff would like for that to change. Or Fertitta may see the current space used for practice as an additional area where he can transform to make even more dollars off the venue.

Prior to the opening of Toyota Center in 2003, the team utilized the Westside Tennis Club — now re-branded as Club Westside — still one of the premier training facilities in the city, nestled right in the heart of the still well-kept Briar Forest subdivision. The facility is in close proximity to Compaq Center which is now Lakewood Church, their previous home.

Fertitta spelled out his reasoning why this newest venture is a priority:

"“We do not have a proper training facility with what you need today to be competitive,” Fertitta said. “We only have a one-court practice facility. When there’s a concert or another event going on, they can’t use the other (arena) court. So, you’re down to this one tight court that you can’t even stand next to the wall. It’s bad."

Houston Rockets general manager Daryl Morey welcomed and echoed the new owner’s sentiments:

"“We’re always trying to be at the forefront of the NBA as far as practice facilities,” Rockets general manager Daryl Morey said. “We’re in the very early days of this, but rest assured if Tilman does something, it will be at the top of the league and A-1. We have the best in arena facilities in the NBA, but in the arena, there’s only room for one practice court.”"

Fertitta also gave a caveat that the facility will not only be used for the Houston Rockets’ practices:

"“I have no desire just to build a practice facility,” Fertitta said. “We would turn it into 100 percent some type of entertainment facility built around the practice and training facility. It will be an entertainment venue. The practice facility will be part of it. We will look at what’s the best place for us to put it so it’s convenient for our coaches and players and financially.”"

I personally love how bullish the Rockets have been on making positive changes for the organization since Fertitta has taken over. This is evidence that he sincerely does care about the well-being of his new-found employees.

More from House of Houston

At least that’s what I’m seeing from the outside looking in. He, of course, is only going to make these decisions if it makes financial sense but based on his track record, I think he knows EXACTLY what he’s doing.

I’d imagine they’d be eyeing a site that’s close by for such a venue in Midtown, the Museum District or in Uptown just outside the loop. Even Sugar Land or Richmond, the epitome of Houston’s ever-expanding suburbia landscape, could be a possibility. Although things are getting tight in the loop with the latest round of real estate developments, I’m sure there’s a tract that Tilman can seek his teeth into.

Next: Four ways the 93-95 Rockets compare to the 2017 Astros

This is an intriguing story to keep our eyes peeled on and seems to be a great start of the Rockets’ new ownership regime.

Go Rockets.

Home/Houston Rockets