What's Happening?
Reserve center N’Faly Dante, who was on a two-way contract with the Houston Rockets last season, is set to join the Atlanta Hawks. This move was initially reported by Michael Scotto of HoopsHype. Despite being a restricted free agent, the Rockets are unable to match the offer due to salary cap constraints. Dante had a notable performance with the Rio Grande Valley Vipers, the Rockets' NBA G League affiliate, averaging 15.1 points, 9.8 rebounds, 2.2 blocks, and 1.0 steals per game. Concurrently, assistant coach Mike Moser is leaving the Rockets to join the Denver Nuggets' coaching staff under David Adelman. Moser's new role in Denver is expected to be more prominent than his previous position with Ime Udoka's staff in Houston.
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Why It's Important?
The departure of N’Faly Dante and Mike Moser signifies a shift in the Rockets' team dynamics. Dante's move to the Hawks could impact the Rockets' depth in the center position, although they have other centers like Alperen Sengun, Steven Adams, and Clint Capela under contract. Moser's transition to the Nuggets highlights the competitive nature of coaching roles in the NBA, where opportunities for advancement can lead to staff changes. These moves may influence the Rockets' strategy and performance in the upcoming season, as they adjust to the loss of a player and a coach.
What's Next?
The Rockets may need to explore options to fill the void left by Dante and Moser. With Dante's departure, the team might consider promoting from within or acquiring new talent to maintain their competitive edge. As for the coaching staff, it remains uncertain if the Rockets will appoint a new assistant to replace Moser. These decisions will be crucial as the team prepares for the next NBA season, aiming to optimize their roster and coaching capabilities.
