The Rockets on Sunday learned the first coaching decision of their offseason had been made for them. Mike D’Antoni decided against going through the process to determine whether he would return as coach, opting to move on and adding the Rockets to the list of teams in need of a head coach.
There was always a chance they would be in this position, having gone into the final season of D’Antoni’s four-year contract unable to reach agreement on an extension. That might have been enough to put together an informal list of coaches to consider, though without the more intense work that goes into a search.
There will be plenty of names to investigate, now with reason to get to work.
HOT NAMES
Tyronn Lue, Clippers
Among the league’s most coveted assistants, and with a championship as a head coach, Lue will be choosy and expensive. He has been known to be demanding with top players but maintain a good relationship.
David Fizdale, free agent
The former Grizzlies and Knicks coach remains widely respected around the NBA and has long had an ability to challenge players.
Jacque Vaughn, Nets
Vaughn turned heads in his time as the Nets head coach and is signed to remain as Steve Nash’s assistant. But after a stretch with the Magic and part of this season with the Nets, Vaughn is considered ready to run the show.
Also consider: NateMcMillan; Jason Kidd, Dave Joerger, Mike Brown.
FAMILIAR FACES
Jeff Van Gundy, ESPN
The former Rockets coach has maintained a good relationship with Daryl Morey, who fired him, has stayed in Houston and has done remarkable work with USA Basketball, indicating his coaching preferences have evolved with the times.
Kenny Atkinson, free agent
The former Nets coach impressed the Rockets in his tenure on their staff in player development and the league with his work rebuilding in Brooklyn.
Mark Jackson, ESPN
The former Warriors coach and briefly a Rockets point guard, Jackson would likely get back into coaching for the right opportunity and would love to work with James Harden and Russell Westbrook.
Sam Cassell, Clippers
Among the stars of the Clutch City days, Cassell would love to take his first head coaching position with his former team and has worked hard to develop as a coach under Doc Rivers.
Chris Finch, New Orleans
A former Rockets assistant, Finch always impressed the Rockets since his time as head coach of the Vipers, their G League team, and would be well-suited for running their smallball offense.
TOP ASSISTANTS
Rex Kalamian, Clippers
Kalamian impressed the Rockets in interviews four years ago, has a good relationship with Harden and Westbrook from the OKC days and excels at running a defense. Could be an associate head coach candidate with Lue or Brown.
Stephen Silas, Mavericks
Silas was a finalist when the Rockets hired D’Antoni and has since enhanced his resume and reputation on Rick Carlisle’s bench in Dallas.
Darvin Ham, Bucks
A top assistant under Mike Budenholzer, the former Texas Tech center has long paid dues as an assistant after beginning his NBA coaching career as a player development coach with the Lakers. Has interviewed with the Bulls and will interview with the Pacers.
Adrian Griffin, Raptors
Griffin, who briefly played with the Rockets, earned a reputation as an assistant to watch when on Tom Thibodeau’s staff. Before he was a part of the Raptors’ success, he coached Westbrook with the Thunder and Harden with the 2014 World Championship team.
Ime Udoka, 76ers
An assistant on Gregg Popovich’s championship staff with the Spurs, Udoka joined the Sixers and has been considered likely to become a head coach. He is already a candidate with the Pacers, Bulls and 76ers, in part because of his ability to push players while gaining their trust.
Jamahl Mosley, Mavericks
Dallas coach Rick Carlisle promoted Mosley to run his defense, an indication of how he is regarded by one of the league’s best coaches. Known as a particularly good communicator, he already has had tenures working for Mike Brown and George Karl and has been a candidate for several positions the past two seasons.
David Vanterpool, Timberwolves
Long a highly respected assistant with the Trail Blazers, Vanterpool moved up as the Wolves’ associate head coach. His work and relationship with Damian Lillard is well-known as an example of his ability to relate to players.
Becky Hammon, Spurs
Gregg Popovich is not alone in offering praise for his assistant coach. Players have raved about Hammon from summer league to the stars in San Antonio.
Wes Unseld Jr., Nuggets
Unseld has had a significant role with a Denver team on the rise, running the Nuggets improved defense and especially with the impressive development of the Nuggets’ young players.
Keep an eye on:
Nate Tibbets, Trail Blazers; Charles Lee, Bucks; Jarron Collins, Warriors; Brian Keefe, Thunder; Pat Delany, Magic; Steve Hetzel, Magic; Will Hardy, Spurs; Dan Craig, Heat; Chris Quinn, Heat.
HOMEGROWN
John Lucas, Rockets
Greatly respected around the league, but nowhere more than within the Rockets’ locker room, and with head coaching experience.
Brett Gunning, Rockets
Few coaches would as seamlessly run the sort of offense the Rockets will want to keep. There is a reason he has been valued by three different Rockets head coaches.
Matt Brase, Rockets
Considered an up-and-coming coach in the league, Brase has successful experience as a head coach with the Vipers, the Rockets’ G-League affiliate.
"start" - Google News
September 14, 2020 at 04:28AM
https://ift.tt/3mlFt8i
Rockets' coaching candidates: Start with Tyronn Lue - Houston Chronicle
"start" - Google News
https://ift.tt/2yVRai7
https://ift.tt/2WhNuz0
Bagikan Berita Ini
0 Response to "Rockets' coaching candidates: Start with Tyronn Lue - Houston Chronicle"
Post a Comment