Thanks Rudy

I was mildly surprised when I returned from my media-free camping trip in OK to learn that Rudy T did the right thing and stepped down from the Rockets.

I say mildly surprised because I spent the last few months of the season wondering what was going to happen as the Rockets went into freefall and missed the playoffs for the fourth straight year.

The situation became even tougher after Rudy was diagnosed with (very treatable) cancer. The treatments are reportedly going fine, but he did miss the last part of the season and probably wasn't going to be ready to get back into the swing of things any time soon. So it was a good time for Rudy to step away and concentrate and getting healthy, and a good move for the Rockets since it would have been clumsy firing the only coach of a major sport to bring a championship to this city.

It looks like Les Alexander is going to go get himself a "name" coach, which is certainly good news. The names that have popped up include Larry Brown, Mike Dunleavy, Jeff Van Gundy, and Pat Riley. Any of those first three would be outstanding. Pat Riley would not. And one name I haven't seen floated is Paul Silas, who would also be a good choice.

Of course, my track record on critiquing Houston coaching hires isn't the greatest. I actually thought Jimy Williams would make a difference here, and he has -- the Astros look very mediocre under his tutelage. But part of that probably falls on the owner, who isn't willing to do what it takes to put a championship team together. Les Alexander has proven he will spend the money, go for trades, and provide the support necessary to win -- it just hasn't happened over the last four years. I think any of those first three coaches or will be walking into a great situation for quick improvement (unlike Jimy with the Astros).

In any case, thanks to Rudy T for all those years playing and coaching the Rockets, and winning the only major sports championships this city has seen. Best wishes for a full and speedy recovery to Mr. Rocket.

[Posted at 22:23 CST on 05/27/03] [Link]