The Rockets’ lack of success lately probably wasn’t the fault of coach Stephen Silas, but they’re moving on from him anyway, per multiple reports.
Silas has a fourth-year option on his contract, and Houston will not be picking it up. Instead, they will immediately start the search for a new main man on the sideline.
Rockets GM Rafael Stone and Silas are expected to meet Monday and make the arrangement official, per reports. Silas confirmed the meeting with Stone, but nothing else.
“I feel proud,” Silas said of his time with the Rockets. “I wanted to be a head coach my whole life. I wanted to be like my dad (the late Paul Silas). Proud of these guys, proud of their hard work, proud of their growth and maturity as they got through the season.”
Silas took over in 2020 after meeting with then-Rockets guards James Harden and Russell Westbrook. Both of those players have moved on, with each having played for two other teams since.
There have been rumors that Harden could return as a free agent this summer, but that seems more like a ploy floated by his agent to get more money from the 76ers, Harden’s current team.
Either way, the Rockets would like to make a run at the playoffs next season — and if not the playoffs, at least the play-in tournament. In other words, they aim to improve significantly after a run in the NBA Draft Lottery.
Silas, 49, has compiled a 59-117 record in his three seasons with the Rockets, including a 22-60 mark this year. Before coming to Houston, he spent 17 years as an assistant with the Mavericks, Hornets, Cavaliers and Warriors.
Paul Silas passed away in December.
“Definitely a hard year. Death is hard when your person closest to you, the person who teaches you all about what you’re doing on a daily basis, you lose him, it makes it difficult,” Stephen Silas said. “What made it easier was a group of guys in that locker room who wouldn’t quit, just tried hard and wanted to do the right things. And a staff full of people who I could share quiet moments with or lean on.”
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