Former player development coach Irv Roland is open to a potential return to the Houston Rockets, he said on his Twitter account.
Roland was let go along with several other coaching staffers in May 2019. Prior to that, Roland had worked on Houston’s development staff under John Lucas since 2016 (when Mike D’Antoni was hired).
But previous GM Daryl Morey — who made the final decisions in 2019 — is now in Philadelphia, and he’s since been replaced by Rafael Stone. Moreover, Lucas has an even higher spot on the tier of assistants for new head coach Stephen Silas. Those dynamics might make a reunion possible.
“They call me, I’m ready,” Roland wrote.
I’m all for it, good brother. They call me, I’m ready. 🙏🏽 https://t.co/Eko5yKks62
— Irv Roland (@irv_roland) November 7, 2020
In addition to Roland’s work with the team as a whole, he also had a close training relationship with veterans James Harden and P.J. Tucker, which could be important. Though Roland hasn’t held a formal NBA job since leaving the Rockets over a year ago, he has continued to work with numerous NBA players as a personal skill development coach.
Former Rockets point guard Rafer Alston is also said to be interested in a coaching role in Houston, though it isn’t yet clear if that interest is reciprocated by the organization. Silas said last week that his criteria for assistants includes “experience” and “diversity of thought.”
As of Monday, Lucas was the only confirmed assistant for Silas’ staff.
The Houston Rockets have let go of player development assistant coach Irv Roland, who worked very closely with James Harden as well as Chris Paul and PJ Tucker, league sources tell @TheAthleticNBA @Stadium.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) May 24, 2019
