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One of the clear weaknesses of the 2025-26 Rockets was outside shooting, as evidenced by Houston’s 30.2% clip in a first-round series loss to the Los Angeles Lakers.
That percentage was the lowest among the NBA’s 16 playoff teams.
Enter “shot doctor” Chip Engelland. ESPN’s Shams Charania reports:
As a point of comparison, the Thunder shot 36.5% from distance during the 2026 playoffs, which ranked third among those 16 teams.
In confirming the news, The Oklahoman’s Justin Martinez writes:
While working with Udoka for the Spurs, Kawhi Leonard was among those who made clear shooting improvements under Engelland’s watch. A profile of his work in San Antonio is available via Grantland.
In Houston, Alperen Sengun, Amen Thompson, Jabari Smith Jr., and Tari Eason are among the young players whocould potentially benefit. Each shot 36.3% or worse last season, and Sengun (30.5%) and Thompson (21.6%) struggled to space the floor due to the lack of respect that opposing defenses had for their perimeter jump shots.
Financial terms of Engelland’s hire weren’t immediately disclosed, but it would seem that Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta signed off on a significant contract, since it involves a lateral move from another team. The NBA does not have a salary cap on coaching hires.
More: ESPN: Rockets, Alperen Sengun had ‘difficult conversations’ at end of season
This article originally appeared on Rockets Wire: ‘Shot doctor’: Assistant coach Chip Engelland leaves Thunder for Rockets
Continue reading...
That percentage was the lowest among the NBA’s 16 playoff teams.
Enter “shot doctor” Chip Engelland. ESPN’s Shams Charania reports:
As a point of comparison, the Thunder shot 36.5% from distance during the 2026 playoffs, which ranked third among those 16 teams.
In confirming the news, The Oklahoman’s Justin Martinez writes:
While working with Udoka for the Spurs, Kawhi Leonard was among those who made clear shooting improvements under Engelland’s watch. A profile of his work in San Antonio is available via Grantland.
In Houston, Alperen Sengun, Amen Thompson, Jabari Smith Jr., and Tari Eason are among the young players whocould potentially benefit. Each shot 36.3% or worse last season, and Sengun (30.5%) and Thompson (21.6%) struggled to space the floor due to the lack of respect that opposing defenses had for their perimeter jump shots.
Financial terms of Engelland’s hire weren’t immediately disclosed, but it would seem that Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta signed off on a significant contract, since it involves a lateral move from another team. The NBA does not have a salary cap on coaching hires.
More: ESPN: Rockets, Alperen Sengun had ‘difficult conversations’ at end of season
This article originally appeared on Rockets Wire: ‘Shot doctor’: Assistant coach Chip Engelland leaves Thunder for Rockets
Continue reading...
