The Houston Rockets appear ready to move to the next phase in their franchise rebuild, and the team’s ongoing head coaching search to replace Stephen Silas is now in its second week.
While the team has interviewed a handful of NBA assistants as part of a diverse and widespread search, it is believed that proven experience in the leading role will be a key criteria in their final choice. For example, that could explain why former Pacers, Magic, and Lakers head coach Frank Vogel looks to be an early frontrunner.
But while Vogel was the first established name to interview, he won’t be close to the last in this comprehensive search. On Monday, former Hornets head coach James Borrego visited Houston to meet with general manager Rafael Stone and the Rockets. On Wednesday, former Celtics coach Ime Udoka will do the same.
Golden State assistant Kenny Atkinson — previously Brooklyn’s head coach — and current Toronto head coach Nick Nurse could factor into Houston’s search, as well. However, scheduling an interview with both of those men is more complicated, since Nurse would have to formally part ways with the Raptors and Atkinson’s Warriors are in the middle of a first-round playoff series against Sacramento.
As of Tuesday evening, April 18, here’s a look at the latest reports involving the Rockets and their ongoing search for a head coach.
Ime Udoka visiting Wednesday
James Borrego interviewed Monday
Frank Vogel is a formidable candidate
Raptors assistant Adrian Griffin interviews
Suns assistant Kevin Young interviews
Rockets gave permission to interview Kenny Atkinson, Sam Cassell
Availability unclear for Nick Nurse
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Story originally appeared on Rockets Wire