The Houston Rockets’ G League affiliate, the Rio Grande Valley Vipers, recently announced that Kevin Burleson is stepping down as head coach to become an assistant coach with the Detroit Pistons.
In two years, Burleson has led the Vipers to the playoffs in both seasons, including the G League Finals in his first season. On Monday, the Vipers will announce who will lead the team next season.
Given the Vipers’ success over the years, it’s no surprise that Burleson would make the jump to the NBA. Throughout the Vipers’ history, they have been a springboard for players, especially coaches, to advance their careers.
During the 2012-13 season, Nick Nurse coached the Vipers to their first championship. The first championship came in the D League, which became the G League we know today. Nurse used this victory to move to the NBA and become the head coach of the Toronto Raptors, eventually winning a championship ring.
Since Nurse, many Vipers coaches, from Chris Finch to Burleson, have gone from being the Vipers’ head coach to the NBA. This shows that the Vipers are one of the most successful G League franchises of all time and are highly respected throughout the NBA.
It’s not just the coaches who have joined the Vipers and gone on to NBA success. Players like Aaron Brooks, Patrick Beverley and Clint Capela, as well as recent success stories like current Rockets Cam Whitmore and Amen Thompson, have done so.
The Vipers are now looking for the next person to continue their winning legacy and lead them back to the Finals. This hire will also have implications for the Rockets, as the Vipers play a big role in the development of their players.
The Vipers’ next chapter begins Monday. Check out my next article, where I’ll share all the latest news on the Vipers’ new head coach.
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