Houston Rockets: Is Kevin McHale the Right Man to Lead Clutch City?

During an April press conference following the dismissal of Rick Adelman, Houston Rockets General Manager Daryl Morey asked that fans and local media not judge the name of the new coach, but rather the results that follow. 

Call it a fair, but unrealistic request, especially in the case of Kevin McHale.

It is impossible not to judge McHale, one of the 50 greatest players in NBA history. He's also considered one of the worst general managers in recent history due to his track record with the Minnesota Timberwolves. 

None of this is relevant to his coaching ability, but the only evidence we have is not positive.

McHale was 39-55 in two interim stints with the Timberwolves. Considering that it's June and a lockout is looming, McHale will likely have to wait a while to wash away the stink of what little coaching experience he has.

Everyone outside of Rockets headquarters is questioning whether or not he was the right hire. With that said, people would be asking the same questions had Morey and owner Les Alexander come to terms with someone else.

They just fired, or mutually parted ways with, a Hall of Fame coach, and after a six-week search for his replacement, they announced that the finalists were McHale, Dwane Casey and Lawrence Frank. All three are qualified in their own way, but each has a losing record as head coach.

Frank was the safest and most qualified candidate. He has the most experience and even won a few playoff series during almost six seasons as coach of the New Jersey Nets.

So, why did McHale get the nod?

Sources told the Houston Chronicle that he wowed in his interviews and embraced Morey's unconventional use of analytics to form his roster and its lineups. 

That was something Adelman was reportedly unwilling to do, and that's why he was shown the door despite four solid seasons on the Rockets' bench. 

McHale is said to be a great motivator, communicator and a natural leader. His success as an NBA player—something neither Frank nor Casey possesses—was also a factor in the decision.

Mostly, it came down to his ability to develop young talent. The Rockets have a lot of it, especially in the post area, which is McHale's bread and butter.

Jordan Hill, Hasheem Thabeet and Patrick Patterson could learn a thing or two from McHale, as could veterans Chuck Hayes and Luis Scola. 

Furthermore, no in-game situation could faze McHale, thanks to his years of experience as a player and a coach.

In the end, Morey and Alexander no longer viewed McHale as an atypical selection. 

He's a risky hire. Morey needs to be right here. He's starting his fifth season as general manager and Alexander is anxious for a winner.

Word is Chris Finch is likely to be promoted from head coach of Houston's Developmental League affiliate, Rio Grande Valley, to a top assistant on McHale's staff. The hope is that he'll be ready to take over as head coach when McHale's three-year contract expires. 

If the McHale hire bombs, Finch may still be promoted to head coach, but he will likely be working under another general manager. 

But that's years into the future. Today, Morey remains at his post and McHale is his coach. 

Only time will tell if he was the right choice.