As the Rockets continue to scour the market for their next head coach, Spurs assistant James Borrego appears to have emerged as a serious candidate for the job. According to ESPN’s Marc Stein (via Twitter), Borrego, who interviewed with Houston on Monday, will have a second meeting with the team later this week. That second interview will include owner Les Alexander, Stein reports.
Borrego’s second meeting with the Rockets doesn’t come with any guarantees, as Houston is also believed to be considering Magic assistant coach Adrian Griffin, Sixers assistant Mike D’Antoni, and Hornets assistant Stephen Silas for its head coaching opening. Still, Borrego remains in the mix for now.
Let’s check in on a few more coaching updates from around the NBA, courtesy of Stein…
- After promoting Nate McMillan from an assistant coach job to replace Frank Vogel as head coach, the Pacers will have at least one opening on their bench, and the team is in pursuit of Bill Bayno, says Stein (Twitter link). A longtime coach at a variety of levels, Bayno most recently served as an assistant for the Trail Blazers, Timberwolves, and Raptors.
- Bayno isn’t the only potential assistant being targeted by Indiana. Sources tell Stein (Twitter link) that the Pacers have also expressed interest in hiring Nick Van Exel. The former NBA guard, who coached the D-League’s Texas Legends this past season, is believed to be drawing interest from teams besides Indiana, Stein adds (via Twitter).
- Dave Joerger is attempting to put together his staff for his first year as the Kings‘ head coach, and Stein tweets that the ex-Grizzlies head coach is targeting Elston Turner and Bryan Gates. Turner, who was mentioned as a candidate early in Sacramento’s coaching search, was a part of Joerger’s staff in Memphis, while Gates spent the 2015/16 season as a Timberwolves assistant.
Borrego is the Spurs lead assistant? I thought Ettore Messina was the lead assistant.
Good catch, I’ve fixed that, thanks.
Aside from the Grizzlies, the Rockets aren’t really competing with anyone for a head coach. They can afford to be as thorough as they think they need to be.
Ridiculous. Rockets acting like they’re Sacramento Kings.
I would really like avery Johnson as the head coach and or silas. but speaking on the spurs coaching branch what ever happened to Mario elie ?I thought he was getting run a few years back as head coach material.
Avery Johnson and Mario Ellie. If Borrego impresses Les could we see him as the next favorite. I mean Silas I thought seemed great and Hollins along with him. But with Grizzlies needing people and GSW looking for someone to replace Walton who went to take the Lakers Coaching Job.
I just hope something is decided by start of June at least if not sooner for the Rockets that is