Reports on Christmas Eve Wednesday paint a picture of a Houston Rockets organization that believes it has finally reached the championship-caliber foundation it's been searching for since injuries ripped apart the Yao Ming-Tracy McGrady era.
First, reports surfaced and were later officially announced by Houston that they've signed coach Kevin McHale to a three-year extension. There's no opt out for either side; it's just a set three-year extension beyond this year.
"Kevin is an integral part of the Rockets family," said Rockets owner Leslie Alexander in a press release, "He embodies the leadership, passion, knowledge, and team-first qualities we need as we continue our pursuit of bringing another NBA Championship to the City of Houston and Rockets fans all over the world."
This comes just months after I had him tied for 21st in coaching rankings, with the onus square on McHale to work his way off of what had to be considered at least a lukewarm seat. And while the Rockets may have never considered letting McHale go after last year's disastrous first-round flame-out, he's coached his way into being a potential COY candidate. If last year's Rockets team was a team with great moments ruined by a tepid defense that often outright collapsed, McHale has found the most elusive element to unlock in the NBA: consistency on the defensive end. That's how Houston has won with Chandler Parsons in Dallas, with Dwight Howard on the shelf for several weeks with a knee injury, with a team full of lesser specialized players and yet better in its overall execution.
The Rockets made this move as a way to capitalize on market value. If McHale coached his way into Coach of the Year, his price could go up. It establishes continuity and stability, which helps in pitching free agents, and keeping guys who signed on with McHale, like Dwight Howard, happy. So they lock him in, and build a future around the idea that an NBA Hall of Famer is at the helm to counter-balance the metrics-oriented, progressive approach of the front office.
And on the same day, while the clock runs out on Josh Smith's time on the waiver wire (when any team can claim him, but without his consent risk blowback from the veteran who's not known for his terrific can-do attitude), reports link the Rockets as the winner of the JSmoove derby, beating out among others the Mavericks, Grizzlies, Lakers, and Kings.
The Rockets were extremely aggressive in their pursuit of Smith, and went so far as to reportedly guarantee a starting spot. They wanted him to take over as starting power forward, and Smith gets to join his old high school friend Dwight Howard. It's a potentially devastating combination of veteran athletes, and offers what could be one of the best rebounding combinations in the league.
The Rockets got the third "star" (and like it or not, horrific shot chart or not, Smith is considered a "star" in NBA circles) they've been after since they signed Dwight Howard. They're building consistent, sustainable success built around star power, with stability in their front office, coaching, and roster. That's what GM Daryl Morey has been after for years, and now he's landed what he's been after.
Will this translate to a title? In normal eras, their chances would be great. But the Rockets can't be said to be any better than San Antonio (even without Duncan), Golden State, Memphis (if they re-sign Marc Gasol), Dallas, Portland, Oklahoma City... you get the idea. But you also can't sit there and point out any more flaws with Houston than you can any of the contenders without rings. Dwight Howard's immaturity, Smith's offensive ... let's be honest, stupidity, James Harden's defense (which has been very solid this year) or reliance on calls, they're all nitpicks of a team with the talent to contend.
Houston was frustrated with its assets it couldn't convert into stars years ago, and before that they were stymied by injuries and misfortune. They have what they clearly feel is the formula, and finally, the Houston Rockets are all in.
