Houston Rockets add four assistants Head Coach for Kevin McHale - NBA Update
The Houston Rockets have officially announced the supporting staff for the head coach Kevin McHale. The search for the assistant coaches was completed with the addition of former college coach Kelvin Sampson, who now takes the
total number of assistant to four.
The remaining staff members include, John-Blair Bickerstaff, Brett Gunning and Chris Finch. The coaching team however will have to wait until the lockout gets over, in order to practically implement their plans.
McHale is the successor of the former Rockets’ coach Rick Adelman, who was fired after Houston failed to secure a berth in the 2011 playoffs. The Rockets fell just three wins short in to qualify for the postseason and surrendered
the opportunity to Milwaukee Buck.
Adelman stayed with the Rockets for almost four seasons. In his tenure Houston qualified for the playoffs just once back in 2008. In the 2010-11 season, Rockets finished with a record of 43-39 under Adelman’s supervision.
McHale, a Boston Celtics legend, served as the general manager of the Minnesota Timberwolves and later became the head coach of team prior to joining the Rockets. His leading assistant Sampson had a successful career at the collegiate
level. He was recruited as an assistant coach by the Bucks in 2008. His three seasons’ hard work with the Bucks earned him this post and McHale is satisfied with the appointment.
Bickerstaff has been working with the Minnesota Timberwolves for a long time. He is following the foot-steps of his father Bernie Bickerstaff, who is renowned name in the NBA coaching circles.
Finch is another brilliant option. Before joining the Rockets, Finch coached Rio Grande Valley Vipers in the NBA Development League. Finch had a successful run with the Vipers, as he led them successively to the D-league finals.
In 2009-10 season, Finch achieved a 67-33 record with the Vipers. Besides that Finch has also served as the head coach of the British national basketball team.
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