Most likely he'll join the fold as an assistant coach. I don't see how a former player without any experience in the front office or on the bench as an assistant will be given the keys to this team. That being said, his gig on TNT is pretty damn sweet for him just to give up.
What Kenny was as a player doesn't necessarily define what he would be as a coach. In any case, his hire would be a roll of the dice. We just cant say whether that would be box cars or snake eyes.
In terms of basketball knowledge, he seems he could be at least decent. But I worry about the relationship with players or how players would respect him, so to speak. I mean, Kenny seems to have a great rapport with players but it's more of a big brother rather than a "father".... if that makes sense. I'm just trying to put myself in the shoes of a player and I think I would look at him in the huddle, remembering all the times I've seen him on TV goofing off, and wonder why he's the guy giving me strategy and drawing up plays. I don't know, maybe that's just me. If it has to be an ex-Rocket player I would probably choose Elie but there must be a reason he's never really brought up as a major candidate anywhere.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">I'm at the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BringKennyBack?src=hash">#BringKennyBack</a> rally at Toyota Center. <a href="https://t.co/qYS3SBzGyP">pic.twitter.com/qYS3SBzGyP</a></p>— Seth Payne (@PayneNFL) <a href="https://twitter.com/PayneNFL/status/731214771287023616">May 13, 2016</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-video" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Fans supporting former <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Rockets?src=hash">#Rockets</a> guard Kenny Smith (<a href="https://twitter.com/TheJetOnTNT">@TheJetOnTNT</a>) to be the Rockets next coach rally at Toyota Center <a href="https://t.co/k6S3KS1qt9">pic.twitter.com/k6S3KS1qt9</a></p>— Mark Berman (@MarkBermanFox26) <a href="https://twitter.com/MarkBermanFox26/status/731219467653386240">May 13, 2016</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
What are the signs that a player would be a good or bad coach? I mean look at Steve Kerr, who thought that guy would be this good? If there are some scouting or analytics that prove Kenny (or anyone else) would be an excellent coach then hire him any info on that?
I just dont see kenny smith being the coach that can turn things around here. I'd prefer Sam Cassel, he had a better playing career and has coaching experience.
LOL at the Kenny Smith for coach rally. "Clutch City is back with head coach Kenny Smith!".....(and prime Hakeem Olajuwon) Rally harder! (clap, clap)