Houston Rockets
J.B. Bickerstaff calls out Rockets players for misplaced priorities
Rockets head coach says his team has been “disrespecting the game”
After Houston’s best win of the year, an 88-84 home win against the previously 25-5 San Antonio Spurs, the Rockets went to New Orleans Saturday night and reminded us why they’re a .500 team this year.
Inconsistent defense, a late offensive collapse and some poor clock management did the Rockets in, dropping them back to an even 16-16 mark.
Rockets coach J.B. Bickerstaff has had about enough, and he was visibly upset after the 110-108 loss to the Pelicans, calling the team out.
“Our issue is doing things right because it’s the right thing to do,” said Bickerstaff. “Not because it’s going to get me a bucket, not because it’s going to get me a shot, not because I get the glory. That’s not what this is about. And that’s what our problem is right now.”
Houston’s interim head coach, who is essentially up for review as well, said the Rockets have consistently “disrespected the game.”
“We played San Antonio last night (and) played a wonderful game, a beautiful game on both sides of the ball,” said Bickerstaff. “We come out here tonight, things aren’t easy, things don’t go our way and we turn into the ugly Rockets again. It’s frustrating for me, it’s frustrating for all of us I’m sure, but it’s not treating the game the right way. Over and over again we’ve disrespected the game.”
Bickerstaff said it’s on him to start sitting those who aren’t focused on team success.
“Our priorities need to be clear and I need to do a better job of playing the people whose priorities are clear,” said Bickerstaff. “Winning is the only priority. If they’re not playing with that priority in mind, then they’re doing other things. Winning is the only priority that matters. That’s the message that should be loud and clear. We haven’t played to that level enough this year.”
