At a Thursday press conference to introduce new head coach Stephen Silas and new GM Rafael Stone, both men expressed a desire to make the Houston Rockets “less predictable” in their playing style next season.
In recent years, the Rockets have become known around the NBA for their “small ball” lineups, which often featured a heavy dose of isolation play on offense (especially for All-Star guards James Harden and Russell Westbrook) and constant switching on defense.
But as they begin preparations for the 2020-21 season, it sounds as if these Rockets are prioritizing a more diverse approach than what was seen in the final months of former coach Mike D’Antoni and GM Daryl Morey. Here’s a few of the standout quotes from Thursday’s media event:
Silas: In today’s NBA, you cannot play one way. Small ball can be a part of it. On the offensive end, we want to be a little less predictable. On the defensive end, the same thing. Playing against teams that have different ways of defending is tough. I want to be that team.
What I will do [on offense] is try to make it easier. Put in a few little actions and be a little more versatile on the offensive end to let those guys play to their strengths. Not so much stand around with iso.
Defensively, we’re going to have to improve. It’s going to take a little more structure and a little more discipline.
At one point, Silas advocated for having the option to use “a traditional big man.” In his capacity as GM and the roster’s lead architect, Stone seemingly agreed with his new coach’s assessment.
“I would anticipate we’ll provide Stephen with a little more optionality to go big or go small,” Stone said of Houston’s roster for next season. “One of the things that Stephen and I have talked about a lot is the ability to throw different things at different teams. … We aren’t going into this offseason saying we don’t want anyone over 6-foot-7.”
The complete press conference can be viewed below.
