Rockets to hold second interview with Stephen Silas on Friday

Stephen Silas will become the second head coaching candidate to interview with the Rockets for a second time, joining Jeff Van Gundy.

Dallas Mavericks assistant coach Stephen Silas will travel to Houston on Friday for a second interview with the Rockets regarding their head coaching vacancy, according to Tim MacMahon of ESPN.

Silas was also a finalist for the Houston job in 2016 before it was given to Mike D’Antoni. The 47-year-old is extremely well regarded for his personality and work ethic, and his Mavs just finished up a season in which they had (statistically) the most efficient offense in NBA history.

Silas also has quality experience the last two seasons from working with Rick Carlisle, long regarded as one of the NBA’s top tactical coaches. As the son of longtime NBA coach Paul Silas, he’s essentially an NBA lifer.

Here’s a rundown of Silas’ coaching career to date:

1999–2000 Charlotte Hornets (scout)
2000–2002 Charlotte Hornets (assistant)
2002–2003 New Orleans Hornets (assistant)
2003–2005 Cleveland Cavaliers (assistant)
2005–2006 Washington Wizards (scout)
2006–2010 Golden State Warriors (assistant)
2010–2018 Charlotte Bobcats/Hornets (assistant)
2018–present Dallas Mavericks (assistant)

GM Daryl Morey, who reportedly liked Silas in 2016, is leaving the Rockets as of Nov. 1. However, he is staying on to assist with the final stages of the coaching search, and his replacement (Rafael Stone) is an internal promotion who was also heavily involved in the 2016 search.

At 47, Silas is the youngest of the three candidates believed to be in Houston’s list of finalists. The others are 58-year-old Jeff Van Gundy and 66-year-old John Lucas. So if the Rockets eventually need to rebuild in the coming years, Silas might be the best long-term bet.

There is no definitive timetable for when Houston’s hire will be made. For now, Silas joins Van Gundy as the only candidates to interview twice.

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