The candidacy of former Cleveland Cavaliers head coach Tyronn Lue for the vacancy in Houston has gathered “significant momentum,” according to ESPN insider Adrian Wojnarowski. The 43-year-old arrived in Houston on Sunday and met with Rockets’ executives on Monday.
Lue was an assistant with the Clippers in the 2019-20 season, and the Rockets are now competing with the Clippers for his services as a head coach, per ESPN’s report. According to Woj and ESPN’s Tim MacMahon, prominent players on both the Rockets and Clippers would like Lue to be hired. (The top players in Houston are James Harden and Russell Westbrook, while the Clippers have Kawhi Leonard and Paul George.)
However, the Rockets aren’t expected to make a formal offer to Lue until also meeting with former head coach Jeff Van Gundy. Per Marc Stein of The New York Times, that meeting is scheduled for Wednesday.
The Rockets have scheduled an interview Wednesday with ESPN's Jeff Van Gundy for their coaching vacancy, league sources say
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) October 13, 2020
As for Lue, during his stint as a head coach from January 2016 until October 2018, he led the Cavs to three straight Eastern Conference titles (2016, 2017, 2018) and their only NBA championship (2016).
Over parts of four seasons in the lead role, Lue compiled a 128-83 record (.607) in the regular season and 41-20 (.671) in the playoffs. Among many attributes, he was well regarded for his ability to build relationships with All-Star players like LeBron James, Kevin Love, and Kyrie Irving.
Earlier this week, Lue told Mark Berman of Fox 26 Houston that he’s enjoying being in high demand for coaching vacancies, with both the Clippers and New Orleans Pelicans also interested in his services. As such, owner Tilman Fertitta will likely need to offer Lue a substantial contract in order for the Rockets to secure his signature.
“It feels good to be in high demand. It feels even better to sign,” Lue said with a grin. “It’s been a good experience for me. It’s great to be on a lot of people’s radar. I just want to make the most of it.”
Tyronn Lue on what it means to be in such high demand (@HoustonRockets,@LAClippers, @PelicansNBA): “It feels good to be n high demand. It feels even better to sign. It’s been a good experience for me..It’s great to be on a lot of people’s radar.I just want to make the most of it” pic.twitter.com/FpskGWg8dk
— Mark Berman (@MarkBermanFox26) October 11, 2020
Besides Lue and Van Gundy, other current candidates for the Rockets are believed to include former Brooklyn head coach Kenny Atkinson; Dallas assistant Stephen Silas; Denver assistant Wes Unseld Jr.; Minnesota assistant David Vanterpool; and current Rockets assistant John Lucas.
There is no definitive timetable for a hire to be made, but talks clearly seem to be progressing quickly, according to multiple reports.
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ESPN story with @espn_macmahon on Ty Lue's coaching candidacy with Rockets gaining momentum after Monday meeting. Lue remains a prominent part of Clippers' search. https://t.co/XqQugNVONj
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) October 13, 2020