Houston Rockets facing uncertainty with head coach, supporting cast after early NBA Playoff exit

The Houston Rockets ran into a buzzsaw for the second straight season. After a 65-win campaign and a grueling Western Conference Finals loss in 2017-18, the Rockets regressed a bit during the 2018-19 season but, by the time the NBA Playoffs arrived, many believed Houston was the biggest challenger to the reigning champion Golden State Warriors. However, the Rockets, by nature of shenanigans on the final night of the regular season, were forced to square off with the Warriors in the second round and the team was unable to slay the dragon despite the injury-related absence of Kevin Durant. 

Since then, things have gotten weird in Houston, with changes on the coaching staff and two noteworthy reports in the recent past. First, reporting emerged that the Rockets were open to making their entire roster, sans James Harden, available in trade with an eye toward immediate improvement and a potential overhaul. In some ways, that revelation wasn't surprising for an aggressive general manager like Daryl Morey but, in the same breath, Houston has been effective with their current crop of players and major changes (such as any trade involving future Hall of Fame point guard Chris Paul) would bring risk. 

In addition, uneasiness exists with highly accomplished head coach Mike D'Antoni, as he reportedly broke off contract negotiations with only one year remaining on his current deal. That may not have a direct impact on the 2019-20 season but, in general, the consensus is that coaches do not enjoy operating on "lame duck" contracts and this move could speak to a lack of happiness, potentially on both sides of the equation. 

The Rockets remain an intriguing bet when it comes to the 2020 NBA Championship, simply because the presence of Harden and a flexible, modern roster leads to optimism in a playoff setting. Still, there is more unrest than is accustomed in Houston and the Rockets are a team to closely monitor as the summer approaches.