He could have not done the interview for one, but recognizing that either his personal brand, or some Rockets-China brand required it, he could have answered a question about how to beat the Warriors next year by simply saying "we have to be a lot better - better talent, coaching, playmaking, defense.". There's no need to KEEP bringing up how in his mind the Rockets are always 2nd place (and that's pretty good!!)... and you certainly shouldn't say "hope they get worse", lol.