Veteran NBA coach John Lucas is an “emerging candidate” in Houston’s ongoing search to replace outgoing head coach Mike D’Antoni, according to an early Monday update fby Marc Stein of The New York Times.
Late last week, Houston Chronicle beat writer Jonathan Feigen had reported that the Rockets wanted to interview Lucas. As of Monday, it was not yet clear if that interview had already taken place.
Now 66 years old and a basketball lifer, Lucas played in the NBA from 1976 through 1990 and has worked as a coach in most seasons since 1992-93. He’s been director of player development for the Rockets since 2016.
Stein cited the “strong working relationships” that Lucas already has with Houston’s All-Star backcourt of James Harden and Russell Westbrook.
Lucas served as the Rockets' player development coach on Mike D'Antoni's staff for the past four seasons and has strong working relationships with Rockets star guards James Harden and Russell Westbrook
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) October 5, 2020
Lucas has proven quite popular with many players, including in late August at the NBA “bubble” — when he delivered a powerful message after the Jacob Blake shooting. At the time, the 2019-20 season was on pause, and NBA players were debating how to best use their platform to promote change and whether to proceed with the season.
As a head coach, Lucas compiled a 174–258 overall record (.403) with the San Antonio Spurs (1992-1994), Philadelphia 76ers (1994-1996), and Cleveland Cavaliers (2001-2003). His most successful season came with Hall of Fame center David Robinson and the Spurs. when he took over from Jerry Tarkanian (9-11) early in 1992-93 and went 39-22 the rest of the way. In those playoffs, the Spurs reached the Western Conference semifinals. In 1993-94, the Spurs finished 55-27, but lost in the first round of the playoffs. The sides parted ways after that underwhelming finish.
Lucas’ later stints in Philadelphia and Cleveland were marred by bad timing, with the Sixers and Cavaliers drafting Allen Iverson and LeBron James, respectively, just after his departure. He then worked as an assistant coach with the Los Angeles Clippers and Denver Nuggets.
In Houston, Lucas would have the advantage of already knowing the players and the previous system, having worked beneath D’Antoni.
“Our whole mission will be to let’s get them physically and mentally ready to go into the playoffs. That’s the whole deal.”
On the importance of safe spaces, John Lucas, his relationship with the roster, and why it’s more important than you think. https://t.co/NQgnZRBJLm
— Kelly Iko (@KellyIkoNBA) July 8, 2020
The current list of Houston candidates is believed to include recent Clippers assistants Ty Lue and Sam Cassell; former Brooklyn head coach Kenny Atkinson; Dallas assistant Stephen Silas; Denver assistant Wes Unseld Jr.; Minnesota assistant David Vanterpool; and former NBA head coach Jeff Van Gundy, who led the Rockets from 2003 until 2007.
There is no clear timetable for a hire. The search is being led by GM Daryl Morey, who historically has chosen to control the assistant hires, as well. As a result, it’s possible that some of these names could still be in play for the new coach’s staff, even if they are not picked for the head job.
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As Houston embarks on the search for their next head coach, you’d have to think their assistant coaches will get the chance to interview.
Jon Lucas is a name that should be talked about more. Understands the system and has the respect of every player.
— Kelly Iko (@KellyIkoNBA) September 16, 2020