Chip Engelland's impact on the Spurs has become a blueprint for their rivals

This summer, the Houston Rockets added former Spurs assistant coach Chip Engelland to their staff. This isn't the first San Antonio rival he's linked up with, but given his history with developing stars like Kawhi Leonard and Tony Parker, it makes sense that his phone's always ringing off the hook. His knack for developing young, raw offensive players made him perfect for these teams.

Engelland has a long track record of turning subpar shooters into elite ones. Leonard and Parker are just a couple; he's also helped Dejounte Murray, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, Chet Holmgren, and others make drastic improvements in their scoring attack.

The Houston Rockets need him to do the same with some of their young players, specifically Amen Thompson, who seems like a jump shot away from becoming a star. If that comes to fruition, the Spurs will have an entirely new problem on their hands.

The Rockets are hoping Engelland can replicate his impact

The Houston Rockets have more than enough evidence to justify adding Chip Engelland to their staff. The most glaring is his effect on Kawhi Leonard, who was largely known as a non-shooter coming out of San Diego State. During his time there, he converted on 25% of his long-distance attempts.

The Spurs traded George Hill to Indiana for the rights to the 15th pick in the 2011 NBA Draft, excited about Leonard's defensive prowess and hopeful about his offensive growth. And they got the best of both worlds. Under Engelland's tutelage, Leonard drained over 37% of his long-range shots during his first three seasons and was even better on the playoff stage.

Between 2012 and 2014, he made at least 39% of his postseason threes, which ultimately led to him winning Finals MVP in his third year. Chip's focus on changing his release point was the driving factor behind this monumental growth.

So it makes sense that San Antonio's rivals want a piece of that action. The Houston Rockets have their own elite defensive forward who's in dire need of a shot doctor. Amen Thompson's improvement under Engelland could definitely give the Spurs problems in future matchups.

Thompson's improved jumsphot could unlock Houston's offense

The Spurs had their way against the Rockets last season, winning three out of their four matchups. But if Amen Thompson becomes a better shooter, it gives San Antonio's defense another challenge.

They won't be able to sag off when he's on the perimeter or rely on him camping in the dunker spot; Thompson's potential growth as a floor spacer will open up driving lanes for other Rockets players and make it easier for Kevin Durant and Alperen Sengun to score. It'll also drastically improve their clutch offense.

So the Spurs would have to adjust their approach against Houston, and this has implications beyond the regular season. Ime Udoka's squad could also be a handful to deal with if they meet up in the playoffs.

Chip Engelland is one of the most valuable assistant coaches in the league, and the Spurs should be happy that he grew that reputation during his time with them. But now, he's become a weapon for another Western Conference rival. There's nothing more bittersweet than this.

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