Former NBA point guard Rafer Alston is “seriously interested” in coaching the Houston Rockets as part of the staff of assistants for new coach Stephen Silas, according to Kelly Iko of The Athletic.
Alston played 11 seasons in the NBA from 1999 until 2010, including parts of four seasons in Houston from 2005 through 2009. As a starter with the Rockets, Alston averaged 12.6 points (35.0% on 3-pointers), 4.8 assists, and 1.4 steals in 35.9 minutes per game.
Nicknamed “Skip to my Lou,” Alston was best known for his ball-handling abilities, as well as his passing skills and leadership as a floor general.
Alston hasn’t coached in the professional ranks, but he has coached at the youth level and certainly has in-depth knowledge of NBA players and routines. As a player, he was well regarded for his high intelligence.
Former NBA guard Rafer Alston told The Athletic that he is seriously interested in coaching in the NBA and joining Houston’s coaching staff in particular.
— Kelly Iko (@KellyIkoNBA) October 28, 2020
Other reported possibilities for Houston’s assistants on the Silas staff include a trio former NBA head coaches in John Lucas, Nate McMillan, and Jeff Hornacek. There is no timetable for a potential announcement.
If Alston isn’t hired by the Rockets, he is also interested in other NBA coaching possibilities, according to Iko’s report.
