Houston’s ongoing coaching search is entering its third week, with Philadelphia 76ers assistant Sam Cassell and former Toronto Raptors head coach Nick Nurse among the latest candidates to join the fray. Frank Vogel and Ime Udoka remain in play, as well. Both are expected to interview for a second time with the Rockets.
After finishing with the NBA’s worst or second-worst record for three straight years, Houston declined to pick up the team option on the contract of former coach Stephen Silas this month.
With that, the Rockets entered into a search for his replacement. As usual, led by general manager Rafael Stone, they’re casting a wide net and making plenty of contacts, with the interview list including former head coaches and current assistants around the league.
However, after Silas failed to work out after being a first-time hire in 2020, it’s believed that experience is more of a priority in 2023. Thus, former head coaches such as Vogel, Udoka, Nurse (who only recently became a candidate, thanks to Toronto deciding to fire him) and James Borrego appear to be among the front-runners.
The Raptors might also provide competition to the Rockets in the pursuit of Udoka, who could be a candidate to replace Nurse.
As of Monday, April 24, here’s a rundown of the latest reports involving various coaches and Houston’s vacancy. There’s no timetable for a hire, though the team expects this search to move faster than its previous one in 2020, which took about six weeks.
Sam Cassell interviews
NBA source: @sixers assistant Sam Cassell interviewed with the @HoustonRockets today.
— Mark Berman (@MarkBermanFox26) April 24, 2023
Nick Nurse a strong candidate
Houston Rockets will target Nick Nurse as a strong candidate for their vacant head coach opening, sources tell @NBAonTNT, @BleacherReport.
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) April 21, 2023
Ime Udoka, Frank Vogel receiving second interviews
The Rockets are progressing toward a second-round of interviews, which are expected to include Ime Udoka, Frank Vogel and the introduction of Nick Nurse into the process, sources tell ESPN. https://t.co/Oq7wscq9Bv
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) April 21, 2023
Toronto also interested in Ime Udoka
ESPN story on Nick Nurse’s dismissal in Toronto clearing the way for a serious Ime Udoka candidacy: https://t.co/8Hhy1i494J
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) April 21, 2023
James Borrego made strong impression
"He will become a prominent part of the Houston Rockets' coaching search, which is focused on former Los Angeles Lakers coach Frank Vogel and Udoka, sources told ESPN. Former Charlotte Hornets coach James Borrego also made as strong impression in his interview, sources said" https://t.co/KH9Bf4g2EJ
— Itamar (@Itamar_17_10) April 21, 2023
Insight on Nick Nurse’s potential fit in Houston
Nick Nurse has a championship on his resume.
He’s shown an ability to develop young players and also stabilize older, experienced veterans.
Would he be a good fit with the Rockets?@ekoreen and @KellyIko discuss ⤵️https://t.co/R3q2SA4BVm
— The Athletic NBA (@TheAthleticNBA) April 21, 2023
