New Rockets coach Stephen Silas applauded the team’s diverse approach in hiring a new head coach and general manager this offseason, Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chronicle writes.
Silas is one of seven black head coaches in the NBA, joining Doc Rivers, Tyronn Lue, Lloyd Pierce, J.B. Bickerstaff, Monty Williams and Dwane Casey. Rafael Stone is one of 11 black general managers or heads of basketball operations, including the first black GM in Rockets franchise history (53 years).
“It’s gratifying to be in this situation with Rafael and the organization,” Silas said. “The organization, it starts with [owner] Tilman [Fertitta]. For Tilman to, I wouldn’t say think outside the box, but to have that commitment to the best man for the job is great. That’s how it needs to be around the league as a whole.
“We don’t want to have a leg up. We just want to be on an even playing field. In this organization, that’s what it is.”
There’s more out of the Western Conference tonight:
- Jovan Buha of The Athletic examines a number of topics related to the Clippers in his latest mailbag, including the team’s upcoming free agency and various trade options. Los Angeles disappointed its fanbase by losing a seven-game series to the Nuggets in the second round of the playoffs this year, failing to reach the conference finals despite having stars such as Kawhi Leonard and Paul George.
- Lakers swingman Alex Caruso considered playing in Europe after going undrafted in 2016, he said on the JJ Redick Podcast (as relayed by Sportando). Caruso would wind up joining the Sixers for summer league, later playing for the Oklahoma City Blue — G League affiliate of the Thunder. He played an integral role in helping the Lakers win their first championship since 2010 last month.
- Sarah Todd of The Deseret News explores what the Jazz are looking for this offseason. Utah played without Bojan Bogdanovic during the Orlando restart, losing 4-3 to the Nuggets in the first round of the playoffs. “Going from good to great is hard,” general manager Justin Zanik admitted at the time, as relayed by Todd.
I don’t understand the diversity stuff or this “only one of seven black head coaches” statement. 7 out of 30 is 23% and black people make up only 13% of the population. That’s a pretty great representation ratio of almost 2-1.
Agreed, but I think the writer’s basing his argument on the percentage of players, which is certainly higher than 13%.
I’m sure they are referring to the demographics of the NBA
In any case, shouldn’t it read “one of only seven black coaches”? It would be scary if Silas were more than one…
The figure should probably should be higher than 13% but Silas does not apparently care about that figure or any other, preferring “merit” which is racially problematic itself. But moving on… going by his current figures finds roughly 30% black at the HC&GM level. The %s may be less though due to GM figureheads. Not a bad number IMO.
Some good population choices to base figures on: 1) USA, 2) ticket-buyers, 3) TV viewers, 4) players, 5)assistant coaches, although that number is also affected by such figuring.
Looking for facts in bing gets, as usual, lots of garbage text absent from neutral searchable data but I found percentages black 43% for “followers” and 74% for players. USA is 13% black.
I think there is some racial bloat going on league-wide, indeed progress fans brag about it in so many words. But black HCs were at 50% in 2012 halfway through Obama’s era.
There was complaining about the loss of a Black head coach when Doc Rivers was let go, but it was intuitively obvious that he would be highly sought after and get another job right away. Hopefully some deserving assistant coaches will get their chances in the future and diversity will naturally occur.
Ageist.
I like the fact he said that he just wants an even playing field and not a leg up. Alot of people will use the gender or the race card to not only even the playing field, but they will use it as a means of a crutch to try and get ahead.
Idk, I just thought it was a pretty cool statement, but I’m not surprised as Stephen Silas is a grade A+ human being. If anyone has earned this job it is him, he could have easily walked around reminding everyone of his last name, but no. He put his head down and he went to work building his resume, and he was constantly taking every opportunity to learn. Great hire and great for him and his family..
I’m not really a Harden fan, but I will definitely be rooting for Silas, and as a result also unfortunately the Rockets lol, to succeed..
Sadly though, I think he is almost in a no win situation. Well, unless they win a title, or unless they get really close to making it to the Finals or something..
Unfortunately, I don’t see the Rockets having that kind of talent on their roster, barring a few additions here and there. Maybe Silas can scheme up some new wrinkles for this team, and maybe possibly get them over the hump..Sadly, since they traded their big man to Atlanta, they’re simply going to be at a disadvantage against teams with alot of size like the Lakers..
I’m definitely looking forward to Silas coming here after D’Antoni wore out his welcome. Everything I’ve heard about him is great and hopefully they will be able to build a good staff around him, starting with team favorite John Lucas.
One thing I always hated about D’Antoni was his refusal to use a deeper rotation which always led to the starters wearing out. If the Rockets can add a decent starting center to play 18-20 minutes and possibly retain both Rivers and Jeff Green, they should be in great shape to go deep into next year’s playoffs.
Giving meaningful playing time to guys like Jeff Green is a great way to loose in the playoffs
Who says Silas is a grade A+ human being and why? Sources. Or are you just supporting someone who is something because he claims he is, like Trump would if asked. Where do you get that profile?— because he is literally saying his hiring is a racial issue^. The article is behind a paywall but nothing tactical is mentioned obove.
Objectively he was hired at least partly because he was cheap and everyone liked his father. The rest can only be guessed at, since it is not widely known even what his tendencies are.
As for Harden, if you think Harden’s opinion was not accounted for, that’s just more naivete.
The Rockets have fine talent. The roster is blocked from flexibilty is all. It won’t even be hard to improve, since all they have to do is make use a big center during the RS and if necessary in the playoffs, and there are many untethered around the NBA. I think Nwaba will be a revelation. Tristan got listed as a min vet. The reason the Rockets get blasted so often on this site is because the one Rocket fan is such an unlikable bot-person.
Caruso would have been a perfect Euro-league player. His flopping is top quality.
Coaches are hired to be fired. There is usually only 4 teams that have a shot at a championship so the coaching carousel will continue to revolve. My only complaint has not been what race they are but constantly hiring retreads Glad to see new coaches getting a shot
A career should last more than 4-5 years, the average before firing… after that is too soon to get called retreads. In football it is said by veteran HCs that 10 years is enough.