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Some changes to the front office were announced Tuesday morning.
According to Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chronicle, longtime color commentator Matt Bullard is transitioning to the front office after 16 years on television.
Source: Matt Bullard joins Rockets front office https://t.co/LgHFeLRz5G via @houstonchron
— Jonathan Feigen (@Jonathan_Feigen) July 6, 2021
Bullard has spent nearly 30 years with the Rockets, starting off as a player and then a broadcaster next to Bill Worrell and Craig Ackerman. Bull has become a household name in most Houstonian homes, which is why it came to many fans’ surprise when it was announced that his contract with AT&T SportsNet was not renewed for the upcoming season.
As a free agent, Bullard’s courtship didn’t last long as the team brought in one of the more recognizable Rockets to join the basketball operations staff.
In addition to adding Bull, the team also hired former Celtics and Grizzlies general manager Chris Wallace, per ESPN’s Tim MacMahon.
Sources: The Rockets are hiring former Grizzlies and Celtics GM Chris Wallace as director of scouting. Houston made it a priority to add experience and expertise under GM Rafael Stone, investing in infrastructure as the franchise rebuilds.
— Tim MacMahon (@espn_macmahon) July 6, 2021
Wallace spent seven years working with Boston, during which he was co-workers with former Rockets general manager Daryl Morey. He then went on to spend parts of 12 years with the Grizzlies as their GM.
With these two hires, the Rockets continue to stockpile talent in the scouting department to help them stockpile talent for the roster. With three first round picks, the team is in a very unique position and having as many strong people in the front office is the easiest way to acquiring as many strong people on the basketball court.