In a 2020-21 season defined by widespread injuries and the forced departure of superstar guard James Harden, the Houston Rockets had their NBA-leading streak of eight straight playoff berths come to an end.
But even as non-participants, there were still lessons to be learned from watching the league’s 2021 playoffs from home. In comments made Wednesday from the team’s staff volunteer day at the Houston Food Bank, head coach Stephen Silas was asked about his key takeaways.
As part of his response, which was transcribed by Adam Spolane of Sports Radio 610 in Houston, Silas told reporters:
Versatility is huge. Guys who can take off the dribble, guys who can draw a second defender. All the stuff that you see in the regular season, but it gets magnified in the playoffs.
I think you’re seeing more midrange in the playoffs because of the preparation, and all of the things teams are doing to take away the 3s and take away guys’ strengths at getting to the rim. Also, you’re seeing more sets… like, little wrinkles that you don’t use in the regular season.
(2/2): "I think you're seeing more midrange in the playoffs because of the preparation&all of the things teams are doing to take away the 3 & take away guys strengths at getting to the rim. Also, you're seeing more sets, like little wrinkles that you don't use in the reg season" https://t.co/2y0tSpF6E1
— Adam Spolane (@AdamSpolane) July 21, 2021
Silas also told reporters that he’s in the middle of re-watching all of Houston’s 72 regular-season games, and he’s already spent a lot of time this summer building relationships with many of the core young players on his team. That’s a luxury that Silas didn’t have in 2020, when he was hired by the Rockets midway through the offseason and was immediately thrown into a chaotic situation due to Harden’s trade request.
Jae’Sean Tate, Kevin Porter Jr., and Christian Wood (who Silas traveled to Miami to see) are among the players that Silas has spent time with in recent weeks, according to Wednesday’s interview with the head coach.
Rockets Head Coach Stephen Silas and GM @RafaelStone12 at the @HoustonFoodBank. pic.twitter.com/nK7YYGVViN
— Mark Berman (@MarkBermanFox26) July 21, 2021
Stephen Silas: "I've spent a lot of time with all the guys this summer. Jae'Sean has been in most of the summer, Kevin Porter Jr has been in most of the summer. Christian Wood is in Miami, I went to visit him in Miami."
— Adam Spolane (@AdamSpolane) July 21, 2021
