HOUSTON — Hours after making the departure of head coach Stephen Silas official, Rockets general manager Rafael Stone met with members of the media at Toyota Center to explain the decision.
Stone and Silas were hired to their leadership roles in the 2020 offseason, but only Stone will remain in place as Houston proceeds to the next phase of its rebuilding plan.
In Monday’s press conference, Stone addressed the team’s reasoning for its decisions, as well as criteria that he and owner Tilman Fertitta will use during the process to find a replacement.
As an exit interview of sorts, Stone also offered his analysis on the recently completed 2022-23 season for the Rockets, along with early insight on other important aspects of the 2023 offseason — such as the May draft lottery, the NBA draft itself in June, and a crucial free agency period where Houston should have approximately $60 million in cap space.
Scroll on for quotes, videos, and key takeaways from Stone’s extended session with media members at Toyota Center.
Rafael Stone press conference tidbits
Rafael Stone says they’re looking for a coach with a voice that will resonate with their group. “I thought it was time for a new one. It had nothing to do with Stephen. Working with Stephen has been amazing.”
— Mark Berman (@MarkBermanFox26) April 10, 2023
On the rest of the #Rockets coaching staff, Rafael Stone says that decision will ultimately come down to the next head coach.
"I think it's important for a coach to be able to hire his own staff."
— Ben DuBose (@BenDuBose) April 10, 2023
Rafael Stone on why Stephen Silas is no longer the coach: "I think we thought it was time for a new voice. It was nothing to do with Stephen. It was much more about exiting one stage, entering another and (finding) the optimal way to move forward."
— ClutchFans (@clutchfans) April 10, 2023
Rafael Stone on the next coach: "I think we want somebody who has a real vision for how to implement our young guys, how to incorporate some veterans, who for sure we're going to add this summer."
— ClutchFans (@clutchfans) April 10, 2023
Rafael Stone on the upcoming #Rockets coaching search: “We’re looking for someone who has a dynamic presence and vision.” pic.twitter.com/gNoE7nX6xd
— Ben DuBose (@BenDuBose) April 10, 2023
Rafael Stone on what Houston is looking for in its next head coach: “We want somebody who has a real vision of how to implement our young guys and incorporate veterans. A dynamic presence and vision. We want that voice to really resonate with our group.”
— Kelly Iko (@KellyIko) April 10, 2023
Stone said he really enjoyed Jabari Smith Jr's year. He sat down with him at dinner before the season and Stone said he thought to himself, "Man, is he not ready for this." He said he didn't mean that in a bad way, but he's impressed with his growth as the season went on.
— ClutchFans (@clutchfans) April 10, 2023
Stone on the draft impacting free agency: We do plan to bring in veterans no matter what. We believe it makes sense to add guys in a way that’s organic. That does require the right people and deals be available. If we find guys that fit where we want to go, we’ll be aggressive.
— Kelly Iko (@KellyIko) April 10, 2023
Rafael Stone on Houston as a destination for coaches: "I think this is a very attractive situation. Based on my phone ringing today, I think a lot of other people do, too." #Rockets
— Ben DuBose (@BenDuBose) April 10, 2023
"We're going to bring in veterans regardless. We don't necessarily have to draft (with both of our picks). I feel really good about the talent on this roster," – #Rockets GM Rafael Stone. Said trading picks for future picks, for veterans, all optoins will be considered.
— Adam Wexler (@AdamJWexler) April 10, 2023
Rafael Stone says they will consider candidates who have NBA head coaching experience and those that don’t. pic.twitter.com/2u9b5mxg2P
— Mark Berman (@MarkBermanFox26) April 10, 2023
Here is Stone on what he wants from the next head coach
“We want someone who has a real vision on how to implement our young guys” pic.twitter.com/aLCUxu8EFC— Lachard Binkley (@BinkleyHoops) April 10, 2023
Stone: "Working with Stephen has been amazing. He is as good a person as you could ever hope to work with. I hope the effect he's had on me as a co-worker is one I have on other people, and I doubt I actually get there, but that's a goal of mine. He's a really good person." https://t.co/mbEqYOSpAD
— Adam Spolane (@AdamSpolane) April 10, 2023
Stone called some of the media critiques about the Rockets culture "lazy" and believes they come from past Rockets teams doing things differently: "The way those people did things are being conflated with us now even though the only commonality is it's the Houston Rockets."
— Adam Spolane (@AdamSpolane) April 10, 2023
Rafael Stone addresses the report/talk of internal issues and bad culture. "We have a really good culture. We have not managed to turn that culture into wins at this point in time. But culture? I would put our team up there with anybody in the NBA." https://t.co/ixWk1qqu0f
— ClutchFans (@clutchfans) April 10, 2023
More Stone: "I am willing to fight with anyone who will say that our culture, on this team, this year was challenged. It's been if not the best team I've ever been around, certainly one of the top two or three, and I've been in the NBA since 2005." https://t.co/kJPallhSwM
— Adam Spolane (@AdamSpolane) April 10, 2023
