WASHINGTON, June 1 (Xinhua) -- NBA club Houston Rockets confirmed Kevin McHale as the new coach of the team on Wednesday.

The 53-year-old McHale becomes the Rockets' 12th coach and the third since 2003. Rockets depart from former coach Rick Adelman in April after the team finished ninth in the western conference and failed to enter the playoffs.

McHale enjoyed a successful playing career, winning three NBA titles during his 13-season career with the Celtics.

He used to work as Minnesota Timberwolves executive and had two short spells as an interim coach in Minnesota.