Former Suns, Knicks and Lakers coach Mike D’Antoni is reportedly the front-runner for the Houston Rockets’ coaching position, according to the Houston Chronicle‘s Jonathan Feigen.
Houston has interviewed D’Antoni, former Cleveland Cavaliers coach David Blatt, former Phoenix Suns coach Jeff Hornacek, Los Angeles Clippers assistant coach Sam Cassell, Charlotte Hornets assistant Stephen Silas, Rockets assistant Chris Finch and TNT analyst Kenny Smith. After impressing in his first interview, D’Antoni was reportedly summoned for a second interview where he met with Rockets owner Leslie Alexander face-to-face.
However, the Rockets would like to hire a coach to serve as D’Antoni’s defensive coordinator if he were to land the job. Fegen has more on this:
The Rockets view D’Antoni, the 76ers associate head coach, as one of the preeminent experts in the style of fast-paced, spread offense they prefer, but will consider the staff he will assemble as a major consideration.
The Rockets will look to add a coach that would run their defense, a major consideration to eventually choose D’Antoni.
Grizzlies assistant Jeff Bzdelik is among the coaches the Rockets would consider for that, but they have not interviewed Bzdelik or yet received permission from the Grizzlies to meet with him, a person with knowledge of the process said. Bzdelik will be considered for the Grizzlies head coaching position, according to the individual familiar with the process.
D’Antoni last served as a head coach during the 2013-14 season with the Lakers. His team went 27-55 and missed the playoffs that year. But if the Rockets are really interested in becoming a fast-paced, spread offense then they’re looking at the right man for the job.
