Rockets decide to pick up option on McHale’s contract…
Despite their heartbreaking first round playoff exit, the Houston Rockets are expected to bring back coach Kevin McHale for next season.
The Portland Trail Blazers dashed the hopes of Houston with Damian Lillard’s buzzer-beating three in Game 6, and given the acquisition of Dwight Howard last summer, they were expected to compete for an NBA championship.
However, their post-season was undoubtedly ended earlier than they expected and they will now go again next year under the tutelage of McHale according to sources close to the situation.
“Kevin McHale will return as the Rockets coach for next season, a person with knowledge of the decision said today,” Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chronicle reports.
“McHale just completed the final guaranteed season of his contract, but multiple individuals with knowledge of the Rockets thinking have said management believes in him and wants him to have more time with a relatively new team that spent the season battling injuries.
“The fourth year of McHale’s contract was subject to a team option but it appears the Rockets are sticking with him.”
Experts have supported McHale in the aftermath of their playoff exit, insisting that the Blazers had match-up problems across the court for his team and ultimately the blame shouldn’t be placed with him.
Given that there is arguably a lack of suitable alternatives, the Rockets have decided to show faith in their current coach and they will hope to build on their performances this season and improve next year.
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