Monday’s formal meeting between general manager Rafael Stone and head coach Stephen Silas finalized one of the NBA’s worst-kept secrets. The Houston Rockets aren’t picking up the fourth-year team option on the contract of head coach Stephen Silas.
After being hired in November 2020, Silas finished his three seasons as head coach with a 59-177 record (.250), and the Rockets were among the league’s worst three teams in all three years.
While those lowly records under Silas largely reflected Houston’s transition to a young roster as part of a rebuilding plan, it’s clear the front office and ownership believes a new leadership voice would help entering a critical 2023 offseason with significant salary cap space and a 2023-24 season in which more wins are clearly desired.
In an announcement released midday Monday, Stone said:
On behalf of the Fertitta family and the entire Rockets organization, I would like to thank Stephen for his contributions to the team and the Houston community over the past three seasons. I have great respect for Stephen both as a person and as a basketball mind. His character, leadership and positivity have been invaluable during this stage of our growth.
With the 2022-23 regular season complete, Stone will meet with media members later in the day as part of exit interviews for the team. That will bring his first on-the-record comments regarding the search to replace Silas, which is officially underway.
NBA source: Stephen Silas has been told by the Rockets he will not be retained as their head coach.
— Mark Berman (@MarkBermanFox26) April 10, 2023
