Rockets confirm departure of Stephen Silas, thank him for his service
As expected, 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 upcoming search to replace Silas, which is now officially underway.
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Rockets guard Kevin Porter Jr. grateful for time with Stephen Silas
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
