The Houston Rockets have had the best-run G League affiliate since they began partnering with the Vipers in 2009. The Rio Grande Valley Vipers have won four championships, the most in G-League history, and have played a significant role in the Rockets’ player development.
Kevin Burleson, the Vipers’ head coach for the past two seasons, has been hired as an assistant coach for the Detroit Pistons. After a lengthy coaching search, the Vipers announced Monday afternoon who will lead the team for the upcoming season.
Joseph Blair was announced Monday afternoon as the Vipers’ next head coach. Blair is a familiar name to Vipers fans, as he was the team’s head coach from 2015-2019. In his final season as head coach, Blair led the Vipers to their third championship before leaving for the NBA.
Blair, a graduate of Houston’s CE King High School and a second-round draft pick of the Seattle Supersonics, never played in the NBA. Blair spent some time with the Harlem Globetrotters before heading overseas and winning the Euroleague MVP award in 2003.
Blair is tasked with leading the Vipers back to the G League Finals, a year after the team fell short in the first round of the playoffs. The Vipers reached the Finals in 2023 before losing to the Delaware Blue Coats, 2-0.
“I am extremely excited to return to the Valley and represent such a prestigious organization and community! My time in the Valley has had a profound impact on my heart and my career,” Blair said.
“I have no doubt that this upcoming season will be the same. I thank the Rockets and Vipers organizations for having the confidence and faith in me to bring me back for another round. I can’t wait to see the energy of the community! This is the Valley team, and I’m honored to be the Valley coach! Go Vipers!”
The Vipers have not yet released their schedule, but typically the G League season begins in November after NBA teams finalize their rosters.
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