Led by GM Daryl Morey and owner Tilman Fertitta, Houston reportedly remains interested (as of late Monday) in Los Angeles Clippers assistant Tyronn Lue and former Rockets coach Jeff Van Gundy. Both are among rumored candidates to replace outgoing head coach Mike D’Antoni.
However, given the sudden head coaching vacancy with the star-studded Clippers, it remains to be seen if the Rockets would be the top preference for either candidate. The Clippers are likely to have interest in both, according to Brad Turner of the Los Angeles Times.
Per Marc Stein of The New York Times, Morey wanted Van Gundy when Houston’s head coaching position was last open in 2016. However, previous owner Leslie Alexander clearly had a preference for D’Antoni. By contrast, Fertitta is “said to be a fan” of Van Gundy.
Clippers assistant Ty Lue will obviously be a candidate to replace Doc Rivers in LA, remains in the hunt for the Philadelphia job — although Mike D'Antoni is widely considered the favorite — and Lue has also received support for the Houston job, league sources say
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) September 29, 2020
Stein also reports that Lue has “received support” for the Houston job, while Turner notes that the Rockets are preparing to talk to Lue in the coming days (as are the New Orleans Pelicans and Philadelphia 76ers).
Now, it appears that the Clippers — where Lue was an assistant to the departing Doc Rivers — could be added to his list, as well.
As for D’Antoni, he’s believed to be the frontrunner in Philadelphia.
The presence of all those vacancies could also up the financial pressure on Fertitta and the Rockets, who might have to compete with other bidders and rival offers. There is no salary cap on NBA coaching hires.
Sources: Ty Lue not only has the Clippers interested in talking to him for their opening in the wake of Doc Rivers being let go, but Lue has the 76ers, Rockets and Pelicans preparing to talk to him in coming days. Lue scheduled to meet with 76ers Tuesday or Wednesday.
— Brad Turner (@BA_Turner) September 28, 2020
Now 58 years old, Van Gundy hasn’t coached in the league since his stint leading the Rockets from 2003-04 through 2006-07. He currently calls NBA games as an analyst for ESPN and ABC.
Known best for his emphasis on defense, Van Gundy has a career coaching record of 430-318 (.575) over parts of 11 seasons as head coach in New York and Houston. Van Gundy is 44-44 (.500) in the playoffs, including a trip to the 1999 NBA Finals with the Knicks.
Meanwhile, Lue just finished his first season as a Clippers assistant, and he previously worked as head coach of the Cavaliers over parts of four seasons. Now 43 years old, Lue led Cleveland to its only NBA title in 2016.
Fellow Clippers assistant Sam Cassell, who played for Houston’s two “Clutch City” championship teams in 1994 and 1995, is also a rumored candidate. There is no clear timetable for a hire to be made.
The more I hear about who Sam Cassell is as a person and assistant, the stronger I think his case should be considered to be the Rockets’ next head coach. https://t.co/yyFoon9DUq
— Kelly Iko (@KellyIkoNBA) September 28, 2020
