The Houston Rockets were officially eliminated from the playoffs last night after losing to the Portland Trailblazers. It’s the second year in a row they were booted in the first round and there’s talk that coach Kevin McHale’s shortcomings may be the root of the problem. It’s believed around the league that he will be fired and this person could be his replacement.
Longtime NBA scribe Peter Vecsey tweeted Wednesday night: “Source SAYS it’s all she wrote for Kevin McHale if Rockets erased in this round.”
Jason Quick of The Oregonian adds: “There is chatter that McHale needs to win this playoff series against the Trail Blazers to save his job.”
Well the Rockets did lose and here’s the latest update:
After Houston’s elimination from the playoffs on Friday, ESPN.com’s Marc Stein writes: “Locker-room unease has been bubbling during this series. And McHale’s perceived shortcomings as an in-game strategist have been a talking point going back to his days on Minnesota’s bench. But sources insisted again this week that, to date, there has been no tangible evidence to suggest that the Rockets have a coaching change in mind.”
Stein adds this nugget that Stan Van Gundy might be a candidate for the head coach job if McHale’s option is declined.
