Former NBA player and current ESPN analyst Kendrick Perkins wasn’t deterred by the lowly record of the Houston Rockets during the first season of new head coach Stephen Silas. After all, widespread injuries and James Harden’s forced trade had a lot to do with the 17-55 mark.
In a new interview with Vanessa Richardson of Houston’s NBC affiliate KPRC, the Beaumont native and current Houstonian made a strong case for why he believes Silas is poised to succeed long-term.
Among his comments from Sunday’s interview:
He’s one of the best, as far as putting guys in position to be successful, offensively. That’s been his reputation throughout the league. He’s a guy that doesn’t shortcut anything. He’s a guy that punches in the clock, and he’s a magician when it comes to the offensive end of basketball. With Stephen Silas, the thing I love about his approach is that he’s a players’ coach. Players gravitate toward him.
Stephen Silas will show the world this season why he’s a hell of coach! The man is a magician when it comes to that clipboard and putting players in position to be successful! Carry on… https://t.co/j4mVg9hYoQ
— Kendrick Perkins (@KendrickPerkins) July 5, 2021
With Silas working as assistant coach and effectively the offensive coordinator, the 2019-20 Dallas Mavericks finished with the most efficient offense in NBA history. That’s why many analysts believe better days are ahead for the Rockets, assuming fewer injuries and an infusion of young talent — starting with the No. 2 pick in the July 29 draft.
