11:23am: Houston also intends to interview Magic assistant coach Adrian Griffin, Mark Berman of FOX 26 reports (via Twitter).
9:00am: The Rockets’ search for a new head coach continues and the latest candidate to join the process is Spurs assistant coach James Borrego, who has an interview scheduled with the team on Monday, Marc Stein of ESPN.com reports. Houston had reportedly whittled down the prospective candidates to Sixers assistant coach Mike D’Antoni and Hornets assistant coach Stephen Silas, but apparently the team intends to cast an even wider net in its search by adding Borrego to the mix.
The Spurs assistant will be the 11th known candidate to interview for the Rockets’ opening, joining D’Antoni. Silas, new Knicks coach Jeff Hornacek, former Cavs coach David Blatt, Raptors assistant coach Rex Kalamian, Grizzlies assistant coach Jeff Bzdelik, San Antonio Spurs assistant Ettore Messina, TNT analyst Kenny Smith, Clippers assistant Sam Cassell and current Rockets assistant Chris Finch, Stein notes. Jeff Van Gundy reportedly received strong support from GM Daryl Morey for the job, but team owner Leslie Alexander could not be sold on a reunion with the former coach.
Borrego is reportedly a finalist for the Grizzlies vacant head coaching post as well, having impressed team officials during his interview. He previously spent 30 games as interim head coach in Orlando during the 2014/15 campaign before joining the Spurs at the start of this season. The Magic went 10-20 under Borrego during his brief tenure.
Hope something is settled here soon. I know Silas is also being wooed by the GSW to be an assistant. The way they talked on him so much with his interviews thought he would be great. I know Houston wants the best and more that will work for our needs but I hate for the ones like Silas that looked really good we don’t let get away. I know Spurs are a great team and assistants from there probably learning from Poppovich.
I know we have had Van Gundy as top choice then D/Antoni/Silas
Just hope we don’t get left with the bottom of pack.
I haven’t had my interview yet. Maybe I missed their call. This is getting ridiculous. Just wake me up when they finally pick someone.
Wonder if Kevin McHale will get an interview?