The all inclusive potential coach guide (2020-2021)

Actually Coach D'Antoni had a huge part of the Rockets defense this season. The Rockets were struggling under Turner.

 

This is what I think that the Rockets will do.

We are going to see the Rockets make a monster push to improve defensively with the hope of being a clear top 3-5 defense in the league. I think they will be willing to take a step back offensively if they can improve their defense. The idea being that they can rely on their defense in the playoffs, that it will keep them in games when they shoot poorly and it will help cover some of the warts they have with Westbrook.

I suspect that they will try to address two weaknesses. I think they will look for someone to play inside like an Al Horford or a Serge Ibaka. These are guys that can switch and play inside well enough and will not kill the Rockets on offense. They also will allow the Rockets to give PJ Tucker more time at the 4, and let Covington to move around on the floor more. If the Rockets cannot add a solid defensive 4/5, they will fall back on straight wings.

Second, I think we will see the Rockets attempt to add a really good defensive point guard to the roster. Ideally they would want a guard that can either shoot or create some but ultimately will likely have to settle for someone that is a streaky three point shooter. I could see the Rockets go after someone like Kris Dunn or D'Anthony Melton or Gary Payton. Having a strong defensive point guard or swing guard will help when Westbrook is struggling on defense against someone like Chris Paul.

Third, I suspect the Rockets are going to target a coach that is considered a really detail oriented coach that has a "process" for doing things and that will establish a culture. The Rockets will also make more of a priority getting a top associate coach and assistants.

The Rockets will strongly explore trading Eric Gordon for an interior player that can defend and shoot a little, like Al Horford.

The fate of Danuel House will depend on the next coach, but he most likely will be back because he was playing well and costs little money.

 

It depends on who you believe.

Those that like Atkinson claim that he was exhausted and wasn't getting the support he needed by Kyrie Irving. They claim that he is an excellent teacher and a perfectionist that did an excellent job of developing players but simply could not keep coaching a group of guys that would not put in the effort.

Those that do not like Atkinson say that there was a mutiny, and that Kyrie wanted him out because he is full of himself, and while he coaches well, is a blow hard...... and they say the Nets never had a winning record under him.

I personally watched the Nets a decent amount and thought he did a great job developing players and he also made strong adjustments at half time of games.