HOUSTON โ Hours after making the departure of head coach Stephen Silas official, Rockets general manager Rafael Stone met with members of the media at Toyota Center to explain the decision.
Both Stone and Silas were hired to their leadership roles in the 2020 offseason, yet Stone is the only one who will remain in place as Houston proceeds to the next phase of its rebuilding plan.
In Mondayโs press conference, Stone addressed the teamโs reasoning for its decisions, as well as criteria that he and owner Tilman Fertitta will use during the upcoming process to find a replacement.
As an exit interview of sorts, Stone also offered his analysis on the recently completed 2022-23 season for the Rockets, along with early insight on other important aspects of the 2023 offseason โ such as the May draft lottery, the NBA draft itself in June, and a crucial free agency period where Houston should have ~$60 million in cap space.
Scroll on for quotes, videos, and key takeaways from Stoneโs extended session with media members at Toyota Center.
Rafael Stone says theyโre looking for a coach with a voice that will resonate with their group. โI thought it was time for a new one. It had nothing to do with Stephen. Working with Stephen has been amazing.โ
โ Mark Berman (@MarkBermanFox26) April 10, 2023
On the rest of the #Rockets coaching staff, Rafael Stone says that decision will ultimately come down to the next head coach.
“I think it’s important for a coach to be able to hire his own staff.”
โ Ben DuBose (@BenDuBose) April 10, 2023
Rafael Stone on why Stephen Silas is no longer the coach: “I think we thought it was time for a new voice. It was nothing to do with Stephen. It was much more about exiting one stage, entering another and (finding) the optimal way to move forward.”
โ ClutchFans (@clutchfans) April 10, 2023
Rafael Stone on the next coach: “I think we want somebody who has a real vision for how to implement our young guys, how to incorporate some veterans, who for sure we’re going to add this summer.”
โ ClutchFans (@clutchfans) April 10, 2023
Rafael Stone on what Houston is looking for in its next head coach: โWe want somebody who has a real vision of how to implement our young guys and incorporate veterans. A dynamic presence and vision. We want that voice to really resonate with our group.โ
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