[Boston Globe] Rockets to hire Tom Heinsohn to replace Drexler as Color Commentator

BOSTON - In an unexpected announcement today, the Boston Celtics have revealed that long-time television color commentator and Hall-of-Famer Tommy Heinsohn has resigned his position with the Celtics to take a job with the Houston Rockets. Heinsohn will be replacing Houston legend Clyde Drexler in that role for the Rockets, effective immediately.

Citing long-standing disappointment with the direction of the Celtics under General Manager Danny Ainge, Heinsohn said "[Ainge] is a young GM, and I HOPE HE DOESN'T GET MUCH OLDER!" Also believed to be a contributing factor is first year Rockets head coach Kevin McHale. Heinsohn's longstanding admiration for McHale goes back to his days as a Celtics player. Heinsohn is said to be a big admirer of the tough-nosed attitude McHale has brought to the Rockets, and also has great respect for current Rockets GM Daryl Morey.

For the Rockets, the decision to replace Drexler comes after years of fan disappointment with the slow development of Drexler as an analyst. By replacing Drexler with Heinsohn, the Houston Rockets are looking forward to adding a colorful and home-biased personality to the airwaves for the first time since firing former analyst Calvin Murphy. "We really felt that Clyde was bringing far to much of a neutral and passive presence to the commentary, and Houston fans were having a hard time relating to that," said Morey. Heinsohn, long known for berating officials and the occasional use of profanity in his broadcasts, is expected to solve that problem for the Rockets.

"Any bad referees that set foot in the Toyota Center this year better go home to their wives, because their not getting any love from me. BING BAM BOOM, BYE BYE" said Heinsohn.

http://www.boston.com/sports/basketball/celtics/heinsohn