The Houston Rockets appear ready to move to the next phase in their franchise rebuild.
The team’s ongoing head coaching search to replace Stephen Silas is in its second week. The team has interviewed a handful of NBA assistants as part of a diverse and widespread search. However, it’s believed proven experience in the lead role will be a key criteria in their final choice. That could explain why former Pacers, Magic, and Lakers head coach Frank Vogel appears to be an early front-runner.
While Vogel was the first established name to interview, he will be far from the last. 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. Nurse would have to formally part ways with the Raptors first, and Atkinson’s Warriors are in the middle of a first-round playoff series versus 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
The Houston Rockets will interview Ime Udoka for the franchise’s head coaching job on Wednesday, sources tell @TheAthletic. Udoka was suspended by the Boston Celtics prior to the 2022-23 season for violations of team policies.
— Kelly Iko (@KellyIko) April 18, 2023
James Borrego interviewed Monday
The Houston Rockets are interviewing James Borrego for the team’s head coaching position today, league sources told @hoopshype. Borrego recently spent four seasons as coach of the Charlotte Hornets and led the team to 10-game win improvements in each of his last two seasons.
— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) April 17, 2023
The Rockets finished 30th in assists. The Hornets finished 1st during Borrego’s final season.
“That starts with JB’s ability to instill a selfless style of play, where guys are bought into passing the ball and understand, ‘I have to let it find me..”
— Kelly Iko (@KellyIko) April 13, 2023
Frank Vogel a formidable candidate
Woj reports that Frank Vogel is "very much in the mix" to be the next head coach in Houston. "I'm told he was very impressive to the people in Houston. He's going to be brought back again."
— ClutchFans (@clutchfans) April 15, 2023
Raptors assistant Adrian Griffin interviews
The Houston Rockets interviewed longtime assistant Adrian Griffin for the franchise’s head coaching job on Saturday, sources tell @TheAthletic. Griffin — who actually played for the Rockets in 2003 — has been with the Toronto Raptors since 2018.
— Kelly Iko (@KellyIko) April 15, 2023
Suns assistant Kevin Young interviews
The Houston Rockets interviewed Kevin Young for the franchise’s head coaching job on Friday, sources tell @TheAthletic. Young, 41, currently serves an associate head coach under Monty Williams in Phoenix and has been with the Suns since 2020.
— Kelly Iko (@KellyIko) April 14, 2023
Rockets given permission to interview Kenny Atkinson, Sam Cassell
Atkinson has a strong history of creating an environment for young players to grow into winning professionals, including both as Brooklyn's head coach and as an assistant in several stops.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) April 11, 2023
Sixers give Rockets permission to interview Sam Cassell https://t.co/hclYYXX9gn via @houstonchron
— Jonathan Feigen (@Jonathan_Feigen) April 13, 2023
Availability unclear for Nick Nurse
Brian Windhorst: "Let me just say this. Do not assume that the Raptors are gonna blow up."https://t.co/qlj5gMcUV9
— Space City Scoop (@SpaceCity_Scoop) April 18, 2023
