After an utterly dreadful season, the Houston Rockets have begun their search for a new head coach – and it won’t start from where the most disappointing campaign in franchise history ended.
Houston has reportedly asked for permission to interview Warriors assistant Luke Walton after James Harden and company were eliminated by the defending champions. Walton led the Warriors to a 39-4 start in Steve Kerr’s absence and finished ninth in Coach of the Year voting. The Warriors will allow Walton to interview for the position while they wait for their second round matchup.
After being eliminated by GSW, Rockets received permission to interview asst. coach Luke Walton for coach job, sources told @TheUndefeated.
— Marc J. Spears (@MarcJSpears) April 28, 2016
The Rockets are in need of a thorough culture cleanse after a season of constant underachievement. Their complete lack of chemistry and competitive spirit bled through their playoff performance against a Warriors team missing Steph Curry. Houston caught an enormous break against Golden State, but had absolutely no interest in extending their season.
The 36-year-old Walton comes from a healthy culture in Oakland that is the antithesis to everything in the Rockets organization. Houston would be lucky to have Walton’s steady hand to guide them through a possible transition period with Dwight Howard’s free agency looming. Walton will have his crop of jobs to pick from; his hometown Lakers have already shown interest.
Needless to say, Houston will have to put on one hell of a pony show to lure one of the best head coaching candidates on the market.
(Via Marc Spears)
