Rockets reportedly wanted to hire Doc Rivers as head coach

Houston’s apparent interest in Rivers would seem to signal a willingness by owner Tilman Fertitta to pay a high coaching salary.

It was known that the Houston Rockets had interest in conducting a job interview with veteran NBA head coach Doc Rivers after his surprising departure from the Los Angeles Clippers.

Per ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski and Tim MacMahon, it was more than just interest. In fact, the Rockets had Rivers at the very top of their list.

Wojnarowski and MacMahon write:

Houston had initially wanted to hire Rivers to replace Mike D’Antoni, sources said, but his talks with the 76ers moved quickly to a resolution.

Ultimately, the 58-year-old struck a deal with the Philadelphia 76ers just hours before his scheduled visit to Houston. Over 21 seasons as an NBA head coach, Rivers ranks 11th all-time in regular-season wins and seventh in all-time victories during the playoffs.

With Rivers off the board, Houston’s current talks seem to be focused on two other veteran head coaches: Tyronn Lue and Jeff Van Gundy.

What could be most noteworthy about the planned Rivers pursuit is what it says about the willingness to spend by Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta.

Rivers made more than $10 million per season with the Clippers, and the Sixers are reportedly paying him about $8 million per year. Both figures are among the highest annual coaching salaries in the NBA.

Everyone knew that Rivers would have a high price tag, yet the Rockets pursued him, anyway. While Rivers preferred Philadelphia, it would seem to provide some optimism that Fertitta is willing to spend what it takes to land an accomplished coach, such as Lue or Van Gundy. Since there is no salary cap on coaching hires, each owner’s willingness to spend often plays a significant role in determining what coach is ultimately hired.

There is still no definitive timetable for a hire to be made in Houston, but talks appear to be progressing rapidly this week.

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