Confirming recent reports, Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta directly stated on Tuesday that GM Daryl Morey would be staying in Houston.
“Daryl Morey’s job is safe, and I’m sure he’s going to pick the right head coach,” Fertitta told CNBC’s Power Lunch.
When asked about the process for replacing Mike D’Antoni, who informed the team Sunday that he would not return, Fertitta said:
I personally wouldn’t know what coach to hire. That’s why you have a basketball operations team… made up of a half-dozen people that use all sorts of analytics and experience. They’ll make a recommendation to me. I’m the sign-off guy. I wouldn’t know how to interview a basketball coach.
To be successful in business — and I say this in my book — you better know what you know, and you better know what don’t know. And I surely know what I don’t know, when it comes to basketball.
On @CNBC @TilmanJFertitta says his search for a new head coach “begins and ends with the general manager..I’m the sign off guy.” pic.twitter.com/lZWZeEcZyl
— Mark Berman (@MarkBermanFox26) September 15, 2020
Since Morey took the full-time GM position prior to the 2007-08 season, the Rockets have not had a single losing season, and they now have NBA’s longest streak at eight consecutive playoff appearances. His peers named him as the NBA’s Executive of the Year in 2018.
Rumored coaching candidates have included former Rockets coach Jeff Van Gundy (2003-2007), as well as current Los Angeles Clippers assistants Tyronn Lue and Sam Cassell. Lue was previously the head coach of Cleveland’s NBA championship team in 2016.
On @CNBC @TilmanJFertitta: “Daryl Morey’s (@dmorey) job is safe and I’m sure he’s gonna pick the right head coach.” pic.twitter.com/wpz7mVhUGz
— Mark Berman (@MarkBermanFox26) September 15, 2020
