OK. First, I'm not comparing McHale to Durant. That would make no sense at all. You're missing the point. I was just pointing out that criticism is out of control on message boards and, like FSS said above, people are overly-focused on the negative. I do not think he is a top 2 coach--I'm not delusional 
Journeymany, I guess I misunderstood when you questioned McHale. So many have questioned him on this I presumed your rhetoric was the same as theirs--my bad. You think McHale doesn't notice things? Too laid back? His heart's not in it? You're entitled to think, or question, that....but I will disagree.
People talk as if the Rockets don't hold practices, talk about things together, discuss strategy, or work on improving at all. Well, what do you guys think they do? Play H-O-R-S-E? Go shopping at the Galleria? Watch their Twitter feed? I just find it strange that the foundations, or basis, for these assumptions come down to pretty disparaging, and depressing, ideas.
Les Alexander must be a dim-witted buffoon who is only in this to market his players to bolster his other endeavors while raking in all the TV money he can get. He has no concern about winning or losing or how his employees are performing. It is inherent in the idea that he condones all of this as everyone--EVERYONE--answers to him, the boss. Given how unsuccessful he has been in life and business this makes sense. 
Morey has no idea what he's doing. He doesn't know good defense from a hole in the ground and wouldn't even care to look for it or hire someone who could do it for him. He figures scoring is more fun so we'll do as much of it as we can and let the other team do the same--It's what the fans want! Also, he is too prideful/egotistical to listen to anyone with expertise in this field and treats this GM gig like a game of D&D.
McHale is not interested in coaching this team since he's not shouting at everyone for every mistake they make (except Lin, of course) and, in short, not being Popovich. He "allows" Harden to not play up to whatever standard people have decided he should play to. Clearly, he does not value defense and is content to sit and watch his guys run back and forth with no concern over what happens or what they do.
The players only like money, parties and fame. They have no pride in their life's work. They just like to score so they can pad their stats and get bigger contracts. They only care about themselves and don't want to try and work as a team.
If this were true why would anyone participate in watching or rooting for such a sham of a team? I know this seems over-the-top in response, and it's not entirely focused on just one poster--but so very, very many that insinuate these very things. They don't say them outright, but if they are true there must be a basis for them to exist.
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Morey has said that Alexander cares about two things: his granddaughter and winning. Period. It starts there.
Recently, Morey has mentioned that in his time here we have seen the 2nd round one time--and he is hungry for more...so much more. He also said point blank that Howard and Harden are the right guys. He has said that a third piece is needed--not wanted--needed. He said this off-season would be spent reviewing the last season. Meaning the front office would do its job--crunching numbers, evaluating players, the draft, and all that stuff. Coaches would take those numbers, watch the film, evaluate player strengths and weakness--and work on it. This includes tweaking the offense to do more of what works and less of what doesn't. Players would take what the coaches bring them and work on it.
The players, of their own volition, seem intent on not suffering the same fate next season. Howard and Harden are starting to be more vocal as leaders--talking about the accountability that everyone has clamored for all season. Howard has taken the lead, Harden is falling in line behind him (don't think it is the other way around--Howard took control of this team in that Portland series) and is also talking about leadership and defense. Parsons wants to be an all- star and, motives aside, is hell-bent on being an all-star on both ends of the court. All of them are talking about the "same page" and getting their bodies right. Lin's going to work hard--no one questions that. Bev is going to work hard. The young guys are too.
Morey has already begun the process--some call it scapegoating--I think it's funny that they are making moves to correct the things people gripe about...and those same people gripe about those moves. Defense coach--out. Conditioning coach--out. They aren't sitting around patting themselves on the back, coddling anyone, and saying it's ok.
McHale constantly calls out his guys in the post-game for not doing the things they talk about--for not passing more, not trying hard enough, not being mentally ready, etc. Some say that's his job. I say, you can lead a horse to water....
I hear people say, "McHale needs to hold them accountable"....and when he does..."he shouldn't throw them under the bus"! The guy can't win--I would ignore everyone too. The only opinions that matter are a select few and none of us are in that group.
Is McHale's heart in it? I don't know. I think he would have walked away already if that were the case so my guess is yes, it is.
People, it's happening. We're getting better. We've got stars, role players, prospects, a top-flight GM, an owner who wants to win and is wiling to do what it takes to achieve that. We've got cap space, draft picks, and Clutch too!
Am I worried that Harden doesn't play good enough defense, McHale isn't a good enough coach, or Dwight's only got a small window left? Not even a little bit. There's plenty of people doing that already 
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started this diatribe and it has become true by virtue of sheer volume of noise--not reality. Question his play-calling, his clock management, his rotations--that's fine. I whole-heartedly disagree with the questioning of the man's character or backbone--I've never seen anything to indicate such a perception. Just because he makes a decision people don't agree with doesn't make him a coward--quite the opposite by most definitions.
