Reports: Rockets interested in Sam Cassell, Tyronn Lue as head coach

Clippers assistants Tyronn Lue and Sam Cassell are both expected to be considered for the Houston vacancy, according to media reports.

With Mike D’Antoni out in Houston, Los Angeles Clippers assistant coaches Sam Cassell and Tyronn Lue are potential candidates for the head coaching vacancy with the Rockets, according to media reports.

Cassell has been an assistant coach for 11 seasons, and he has roots in Houston — having been a key player on the championship teams of 1994 and 1995. Cassell previously interviewed with Rockets GM Daryl Morey when the head coach position was open in 2011 and 2016, and ESPN’s Tim MacMahon reports that there is mutual interest in 2020.

Now 50 years old, Cassell has significant experience as a top assistant on a perennial playoff contender, and head coach Doc Rivers said this week that he believes Cassell is ready for the rigors of a lead job.

“Sam Cassell should be a head coach, period,” Rivers said. “He’s got an incredibly high basketball IQ, and I just hope he gets a shot. … When they talk about paying dues, he’s paid every due that is possible and he’s yet to get a job. So, I’m hoping that happens.”

Meanwhile, Chris Haynes of Yahoo Sports reports that Clippers assistant Tyronn Lue is expected to get a “strong look” from the Rockets.

Unlike Cassell, Lue has past head coaching experience, having led the Cleveland Cavaliers to three straight NBA Finals from 2016 through 2018. That run included the franchise’s first title in 2016. In portions of four seasons as the Cleveland head coach, Lue had a 128-83 record (.607) in the regular season and 41-20 (.672) in the playoffs.

The 43-year-old Lue is also reportedly a candidate for the Philadelphia vacancy. The Rockets were said to be interested in him last offseason as an assistant beneath D’Antoni, though he ultimately chose Los Angeles, where Rivers is established as one of the league’s top coaches.

It is not clear how quickly the Rockets plan to fill their post. The presence of Lue and Cassell as coaches of the Clippers — who are still playing in the 2020 playoffs at the NBA “bubble” — could lead to a longer timetable, since they’re quite busy with their current jobs at the moment.

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