Earlier today, we told you about a rumor regarding ESPN NBA analyst Mark Jackson being a leading candidate for the head coach opening for the Golden State Warriors. In news that’s coming down tonight, there’s another national NBA TV analyst that has been confirmed to leave the broadcast booth for the sidelines. We received a press release in the AA Inbox from Turner Sports that Kevin McHale will be the newest coach of the Houston Rockets. The former Celtic great had been rumored as a frontrunner for the job in recent days. Here’s a quote from McHale…

“I really enjoyed spending the last two years with Turner Sports, bringing the best NBA coverage possible to the viewers at home,” said McHale. “Even though I’m moving back to the bench I’ll still watch my friends on NBA TV and TNT. Turner’s commitment to the NBA is part of the reason why the league is so special, and I look forward to seeing many of my former colleagues in the future.”

McHale was better than average as an NBA analyst. He had a style that wasn’t quite as polished as others in the booth or the studio, but it worked. I enjoyed his work with the Turner guys as he brought something a little different to the table to complement Charles Barkley, Kenny Smith, and Chris Webber. He replaces Rick Adelman as Rockets head coach. McHale had a losing record coaching the Minnesota Timberwolves during two stints the last decade while also serving as GM of the franchise. Hopefully he doesn’t draft 19 point guards this year like that fella who followed him.