Should the Houston Rockets Have Fired Kevin McHale After Only 11 Games?
At the outset, it remains unclear whether the decision to fire Kevin McHale was fully justified given that it occurred after only 11 games in the new season. Generally, coaches who have just started work in a season are not typically fired unless there are severe and immediate issues. Initialization of real change within a roster often requires a training camp where a coach can establish a cohesive strategy. Hence, firing a coach at this stage can be a knee-jerk reaction, rather than a well-thought-out decision.
Background on Kevin McHale
In terms of Kevin McHale, his coaching reputation was already relatively weak. It's not surprising to see why this decision may have been made. Additionally, Bickerstaff, the assistant promoted to the head coaching role, has garnered a fair share of hype and may have been positioned to assume responsibilities sooner. This move could have been premeditated but was executed as a result of the current situation.
Respect for James Harden
As a person who has a great deal of respect for James Harden's capabilities, it is evident that he should remain the focal point of the offense, but the current offensive strategy the Rockets have employed is quite primitive. To seriously contend for a championship, a more sophisticated approach needs to be implemented. One might wonder why firing McHale earlier would not have been more advantageous.
Knee-Jerk Reaction vs. Strategic Planning
Firing a coach in a state of desperation feels like a knee-jerk reaction. The core question here is whether things are not going well due to the coaching or because the team's roster needs restructuring. Firing a player is often off the table, so if the situation necessitates a change, it is generally more appropriate to address the coaching aspect first.
Irony and Legacy
The irony of firing McHale just after his team lost a game is striking. More significantly, McHale's narrative as a coach can be traced back to his time with the Celtics, where he was part of the dominant era.
During a memorable game between Golden State and the Celtics, McHale played an impromptu yet profound role. The Celtics were leading significantly in the final quarter when they recognized their teammate, McHale, who had rarely made it to the league. McHale showed empathy and leadership by telling the teammate: 'This is your time… You're like Shaq, but the Rockets need a player like Kobe.'
Fired or not, McHale remains a symbol of empathy and coaching wisdom that resonates with the basketball community.