By
Vincent Frank on Wednesday, November 18
th 2015
Just a few short months after leading the Houston Rockets to the Western Conference Finals, Kevin McHale has reportedly been fired by the team.
It comes after a 4-7 season that has seen the Rockets suffer two separate losing streaks of three-plus games. Currently on a four-game slide, the organization figured it was time to move on from McHale.
The primary issue for Houston thus far this season has been defense. It ranks 29th in the Association in points allowed at 108.5 per game. In fact, the Rockets have given up 105-plus points per game.
Defensive-minded assistant J.B. Bickerstaff, son of former NBA head coach Bernie Bickerstaff, will take over for McHale on an interim basis. He's been the Rockets "defensive coordinator," and helped the team improve a great deal in that category last year before falling back this season.
McHale's tenure in Houston ends after four-plus seasons. He boasts a .598 winning percentage and is coming off three consecutive playoff appearances.