Kevin McHale has reportedly "emerged as the frontrunner" for the currently vacant Houston Rockets head coaching position. Oh, boy.
Take it away, Adrian Wojnarowksi:
No final decision has officially been reached, nor are contract negotiations underway, but McHale has clearly separated himself from Dallas Mavericks assistant Dwane Casey and Boston Celtics assistant Lawrence Frank, sources said. McHale made a strong final impression in conversations with Houston officials on Thursday in Chicago, and could receive a formal offer in the next week.
I don't understand this. How can two McHale interviews outweigh the two experienced coaching resumes that belong to Casey and Frank? What exactly is McHale saying that can be so darn impressive? Am I the only one who sees a flaw in hiring a television analyst with little coaching background over two highly touted assistants?
Breathe, Tom. Breathe in... and breathe out.
It's going to take a while for me to figure all of this out. I don't care how "strong" McHale's interviews have been. You don't hire your next head coach -- especially in the position that Houston is currently in -- based on two strong interviews. There is more to this, and I doubt that we'll be able to put a finger on that magical, deciding element any time soon.
I understand McHale's extensive background as a player. I understand that his faults as a general manager can be separated from his ability to coach. Perhaps he's far more skilled as a tactician than I believe him to be. But overall, I suppose the odd thing about McHale is that he has never appeared to show the desire to coach a team. He hasn't been interviewed or considered by near as many teams as Casey or Frank. If he suddenly has convinced himself that coaching is his next calling, then maybe we have yet to see his best hand.
As always, I trust the front office, whatever their decision may be. Sometimes, though, I can't help but feel disillusioned with a decision such as this. Let's all hope and pray that we, the fans and blogging faithful, are misinformed. Should McHale get the job, ignorance will be my only recognizable form of solace.