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.