Dave Joerger To Be Kevin Mchale's Top Assistant In Houston?

by Scott Schroeder on May 27, 2025 6:10 PM EDT in NBA D-League Coaching News

Dave Joerger is one of my favorite current non-head coaches in basketball, as people who've been awhile would know, so I'm going to take the opportunity to write about him whenever I can.

Joerger grew up in Minnesota, played basketball at Moorhead State (here's a card!) and began his professional coaching career as an assistant with the IBA's Fargo-Moorhead Beez in 1997. From there, Joerger embarked on a journey that led to five champions over seven seasons in three different leagues before being called up to the Memphis Grizzlies in 2007.

Now, it seems, the former Dakota Wizards head coach is ready to take another step forward. Kevin McHale will soon be named the next head coach of the Houston Rockets and is expected to include Joerger as a candidate to be his top assistant, according to Yahoo! Sports' Adrian Wojnarowski.

Memphis Grizzlies assistant coach Dave Joerger is expected to be a candidate to become McHale's top assistant, sources said.

For D-League fans, this could bring a bit of turmoil as to where their loyalties lie because current Rio Grande Valley Vipers head coach Chris Finch is also expected to be brought aboard McHale's staff.

With a few members of the media saying McHale is probably a two-year stop-gap before the Rockets bring up a younger head coach, it's going to be quite interesting to see whether Joerger or Finch -- both deserving candidates -- is promoted from within.

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Comments

Interesting

Always love hearing about upcoming star coaches (mainly because I’m constantly searching for a George Karl replacement). I need to look more into this guy.

Hyperboles kill.
There is no such thing as a "George Karl fan;" there are Karl apologists, and those who realize he should be fired.
http://twitter.com/#!/24kGoldenChild

by GoldenNugget on May 27, 2025 6:35 PM EDT reply actions

He's credited with retooling the Grizzlies defense

He’s a winner and has paid his dues (10 years in the Dakotas), plus he’s young, so it shouldn’t be too much longer before he’s given a shot at a head job.

I write about basketball players with Ridiculous Upside. I know you'll love it.

by Scott Schroeder on May 27, 2025 6:55 PM EDT up reply actions

Great!

As a hometown Houston Rocket fan I’d be excited if coach Dave Joerger came on board.

by waterade on May 28, 2025 1:23 PM EDT reply actions

nice

McHale is going to need all the hard-working, smart assistants he can get.

by tkired on May 28, 2025 9:49 PM EDT reply actions

Best wishes to Coach Joerger

As a longtime Dakota Wizards fan, I can say it was a true gift to have Coach Joerger here as long as we did! He and his family were a wonderful asset, not only to the sporting aspect of the community, but also the community as a whole. I wish Dave Joerger and his family only the best in their future endeavors- he is a highly intelligent and VERY respectful man that deserves only the best. I feel he represents the best qualities- qualities slowly slipping away- in a game that I love dearly. Integrity, pride, good sportsmanship, and a true love of the game are just the beginning of what Coach Joerger brings forth each and every time he is near a court- may it be practice, game time or otherwise. Memphis, Houston or whomever may be blessed to obtain this great man and his family in the near future, be sure to take notice of what a great asset you have, both on and off the court! We did here in Bismarck, ND-we are all so very grateful and have realized no one has come close to filling the gap they have left behind!

Best wishes Coach!!! It’s your time to shine! We’re proud of you!

by EvilAngel on May 29, 2025 8:39 AM EDT reply actions