Mike D’Antoni’s frontrunner status didn’t scare off Stephen Silas from interviewing to become the Rockets’ head coach.
It might pay off for the Hornets assistant.
Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chronicle:
In addition to Mike D'Antoni, Rockets seriously weighing Stephen Silas as coach with Lionel Hollins as his top assistant, source said.
— Jonathan Feigen (@Jonathan_Feigen) May 20, 2016
As mentioned yesterday, Silas is extremely impressive and highly regarded by players. Hollins' creds obviously speak for themselves.
— Jonathan Feigen (@Jonathan_Feigen) May 20, 2016
Rockets have thought highly of Hollins for years. Hoped to add him to McHale's staff post-Sampson, but Hollins landed Nets job.
— Jonathan Feigen (@Jonathan_Feigen) May 20, 2016
D’Antoni is an accomplished head coach whose up-tempo Suns offense revolutionized the NBA. But he needs major help defensively and a roster that fits his system. The best coaches can handle both ends of the floor and adjust to their players. D’Antoni isn’t on that elite level, but when he has the right pieces, he’s excellent.
Silas has never been a head coach, which gives him a higher ceiling and lower floor than D’Antoni. Hollins would be an asset on any bench, and the former Grizzlies and Nets coach could help Silas adjust to the head job. (Hollins’ presence as an established head coach could also create tension.)
But if the Rockets can get Silas a top-notch assistant, why can’t they get D’Antoni one? Maybe it’d even be Silas or Hollins, though that’s a tougher sell if Silas is close to the head job.
There seem to be a lot of moving pieces in Houston.
