Report: Rockets assistant coach Jeff Bzdelik retiring as camp approaches

Houston Rockets associate head coach and defensive wizard Jeff Bzdelik is retiring with training camp right around the corner, according to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.

Bzdelik reportedly informed general manager Daryl Morey and head coach Mike D'Antoni of his decision Sunday.

When D'Antoni took Houston's head coaching position in 2016, he brought Bzdelik in to construct the defense.

The Rockets finished with a league-best 65 wins and ranked sixth in the Association in defense last season. Houston nearly dethroned the Golden State Warriors in the Western Conference finals, losing in seven games.

Prior to his stint in Houston, Bzdelik spent two years as an assistant with the Memphis Grizzlies. He's been in the NBA for 19 seasons, including two-and-a-half years as head coach of the Denver Nuggets from 2002-03 to 2004-05.