The Rockets have interviews scheduled with former Suns head coach Jeff Hornacek and Hornets assistant coach Stephen Silas for their vacant head coaching position, ESPN’s Brian Windhorst and Calvin Watkins report (ESPN Now link). The specific dates and times of the meetings are not yet known.
Hornacek was fired by the Suns in February and replaced by Earl Watson, who recently had his interim tag removed and will lead Phoenix next season. The 53-year-old has a career regular season mark of 101-112, including a record of 14-35 in 2015/16. He failed to guide the Suns to the postseason during his tenure with the franchise. Hornacek has also been mentioned as a potential head coaching candidate for the Pacers, Kings, and Lakers.
Silas, 43, is the son of longtime NBA coach Paul Silas. He has served as an assistant for the Hornets, Pelicans (prior to the team being re-named), Warriors and Cavaliers, as well as serving a brief stint as an advance scout for the Wizards.
Houston is also reportedly considering Lionel Hollins, Mike D’Antoni, Kenny Smith, Sam Cassell, David Blatt, and Chris Finch for the vacant post, though, Jeff Van Gundy appears to be the favorite for the job. The Rockets are also said to be intrigued by college coaches Shaka Smart (Texas) and Bill Self (Kansas).
Cassell and Smith were teammates on the 95 Rockets. If they really want JVG for a second time, what is the holdup?
It’d be a not Smart and honestly a Shaka to see someone leave the coaching position of the Longhorns for Houston not likely a job to “Launch” your career :)