One reason for the apparent trade request by All-Star guard Russell Westbrook is that he didn’t like last season’s culture surrounding the Houston Rockets. Enter new head coach Stephen Silas.
According to veteran forward Robert Covington, the 47-year-old Silas is striving to “change the dynamic” in Houston. In addition to Silas replacing Mike D’Antoni, the Rockets will also have at least three new assistant coaches in Jeff Hornacek, Will Weaver, and Rick Higgins.
Here’s what Covington said Friday on ESPN’s The Jump, when asked if he had spoken with Silas this offseason:
Yes, I’ve spoken to him. He’s a good dude. He’s already said that he wants to change the dynamic of things, and he has so much that he has in tune for us. With the program that we have and the team that we have, he can do a lot. He wanted this job to be able to make a change, and have the opportunity to coach two prolific, MVP-caliber superstars. Not too many people get that opportunity with their first head-coaching job.
He’s up for the challenge, and he’s told me that he wants everyone to be mentally focused and locked in. And overall, just continue to come in and work. Because it’s going to be a different transition, what his dynamic is. He’s just excited for the opportunity.
Robert Covington on the hiring of Stephen Silas:
"I've spoken to him, he's a good dude. He's already said that he wants to change the dynamic of things and he has so much that he has in tune for us… he's up for the challenge and he wants everyone to be mentally focused" pic.twitter.com/D6wHKvu4zL
— Disney Gary Clark (@Itamar1710) November 13, 2020
It remains to be seen whether Silas can change Westbrook’s perspective, but the presence of a new coaching staff could potentially offer the opportunity for a fresh start in the weeks ahead.
Next season’s training camp for Covington and the rest of the Rockets is set to begin in Houston on Tuesday, Dec. 1. His complete interview from Friday with ESPN’s Rachel Nichols can be viewed below.
[lawrence-related id=39901,39877]