Orlando player development coach Rick Higgins is joining the Houston Rockets as an assistant to new coach Stephen Silas, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. Higgins joins former NBA head coaches John Lucas and Jeff Hornacek as confirmed members of Silas’ staff.
Higgins is the son of ex-NBA player and GM Rod Higgins.
Just 33 years old, Higgins had worked in Orlando alongside head coach Steve Clifford since the 2018-19 season. Prior to their time with the Magic, Higgins worked for Clifford over multiple years in Charlotte, with roles including coaching assistant/video coordinator and video scout.
“In his expanded role, Higgins will assist with game planning, scouting reports, and player workouts, in addition to his role in the video department,” Charlotte said in a September 2017 press release.
Orlando player development coach Rick Higgins is joining Stephen Silas as an assistant with the Houston Rockets, sources tell ESPN. Higgins joins former head coaches John Lucas and Jeff Hornacek on the new staff. Higgins is the son of ex-NBA player and GM Rod Higgins.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) November 10, 2020
Silas was also a member of that Hornets staff (in a higher assistant role) until 2018, so he and Higgins already have a working relationship.
Beyond Lucas, Hornacek, and Higgins, other rumored assistant options include Jazz assistant DeSagana Diop and former 76ers and Nets assistant Will Weaver. A pair of former Rockets — player development coach Irv Roland and guard Rafer Alston — have also expressed interest in joining the staff, but it’s not clear if that is reciprocated by the team.
I really like the hiring of Rick Higgins by the Rockets, this guy knows ball and seems very passionatepic.twitter.com/GZGruYU5ac
— Rob // sad rockets/texans/astros fan (@Hou5ton4L) November 10, 2020
