Houston Rockets GM Daryl Morey and owner Tilman Fertitta each issued statements Thursday night regarding Morey’s departure from the organization after 14 seasons, including the last 13 as general manager.
Morey is staying in his post until November 1, which will allow him to finalize the ongoing search for a new head coach.
In his statement, Morey said:
After returning from Orlando [the NBA bubble] and reflecting on what has been an amazing 14 years with the Houston Rockets, and after discussing my thoughts with family and close friends, I’ve decided I’ll be stepping away from the Rockets organization, effective November 1.
Tilman [Fertitta] and I have had many conversations since I returned, and his unwavering support and counsel during our time together has been critical to our success. It has been the most gratifying experience of my professional life to lead the Rockets basketball organization, and I look forward to working with Tilman and the management team on the transition.
I am very confident that the future — for the Rockets, and for our incredible fans — is in great hands, and that the Rockets will continue to perform at the highest level.
The Rockets ranked No. 2 in the NBA in total wins over Morey’s tenure, which concludes with the most consecutive playoff berths of any team.
Per ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, Morey isn’t ruling out an eventual NBA return, but he’s interested in exploring other professional opportunities. He also has two college-age children who are taking an academic gap year due to COVID-19, and he can now spend more time with them.
In thanking Morey, Fertitta said in his statement:
On behalf of the entire Rockets organization, I would like to thank Daryl Morey for his hard work and dedication over the past 14 seasons. Daryl is a brilliant innovator who helped the Rockets become a perennial contender. I have truly enjoyed working with Daryl and couldn’t have asked for a better general manager to have at the start of my ownership. I wish him and his family all the best.
Morey will be replaced as GM by Rafael Stone, who has served as the No. 2 executive in basketball operations since April 2019.
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Statement from Tilman Fertitta and Daryl Morey. pic.twitter.com/m3jlUMD06i
— Houston Rockets (@HoustonRockets) October 15, 2020