After jumping from 18th in the NBA in points allowed per possession two years ago to seventh last year, the Rockets have crashed to 21st this year.
Why?
It’s hard to overlook the surprising retirement of assistant coach Jeff Bzdelik, the architect of Houston’s switching scheme, shortly before training camp.
But… he’s back.
Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chronicle:
Jeff Bzdelik, the Rockets associate head coach for the past two seasons, to end his retirement and return to the Rockets, a person with knowledge of the decision said.
— Jonathan Feigen (@Jonathan_Feigen) November 5, 2018
Bzdelik's return could be at least another week or several weeks away.
— Jonathan Feigen (@Jonathan_Feigen) November 5, 2018
Couple key points: His return unrelated to Rockets slow start. Had some things he wanted to address away from basketball. And, Tilman Fertitta was in frequent contact to make it happen, source said.
What a chance for Bzdelik to bolster his reputation as a defensive mastermind. The Rockets look so lost on that end.
But he won’t have the same tools as last season. Mainly, Houston lost Trevor Ariza and Luc Mbah a Moute in free agency. It’ll be a bigger challenge building a defense around Carmelo Anthony, whom Bzdelik coached with the Nuggets.
The Rockets’ 3-5 start might not have directly lured back Bzdelik, but owner Tilman Fertitta surely felt the sting of losing. Fertitta’s words to Bzdelik were influenced by Houston’s results.
I wonder whether Bzdelik parlayed that into a raise.
