New Houston Rockets head coach Stephen Silas is “working hard” to retain John Lucas on his staff, per Mark Berman of Fox 26 Houston.
Since 2016, Lucas has worked with the Rockets as the director of player development for previous head coach Mike D’Antoni.
But according to Berman, Lucas could have a bigger role as an assistant for Silas. Lucas was reportedly one of three finalists in Houston’s recent search for the lead job, alongside Silas and Jeff Van Gundy.
Now 66 years old, Lucas was previously a head coach with San Antonio, Philadelphia, and Cleveland in the 1990s and early 2000s. His age and experience could be a good fit with the 47-year-old Silas, who is becoming an NBA head coach for the first time. Lucas also has existing relationships with current players like All-Star guards James Harden and Russell Westbrook, which is part of why he was a finalist for the main job.
Congrats to Stephen Silas!
— JOHN LUCAS ENT (@JLEnterprises) October 29, 2020
Last week, Lucas congratulated Silas via Twitter on becoming head coach of the Rockets, which appeared to indicate that there were no hard feelings in regards to his personal bid coming up short. If that’s the case, it could further boost the odds of a potential partnership.
Other names believed to be in consideration for Silas’ staff of assistants include former NBA head coaches Jeff Hornacek and Nate McMillan. As of Monday night, there was no clear timetable for potential hires.
NBA source: New #Rockets head coach Stephen Silas is working hard to keep John Lucas (@JLEnterprises) on the staff and in a more prominent role. Lucas is the Rockets director of player development.
— Mark Berman (@MarkBermanFox26) November 2, 2020
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