Rockets fill out coaching staff, hire Jeff Hornacek and Rick Higgins

With the prospective start of the new NBA season about just a month and a half away if the December 22 date holds true, the Houston Rockets made moves to finalize their coaching staff behind new hire and first-time head coach Stephen Silas.

With John Lucas already aboard, Houston also finalized deals to bring on former hated Utah Jazz player and ex- Phoenix Suns and New York Knicks head coach Jeff Hornacek.

In addition, they also hired former player development coach for the Orlando Magic Rick Higgins to presumably take a similar role with the Rockets, as the team’s former play development coach — Lucas — looks to take on an expanded role under Silas.

Both of these guys bring experience to their roles, but it’s especially pertinent for Hornacek, who despite holding just a career 161-216 record as a head coach, is highly respected and a perfect complement for a first-timer. Any new coach needs experienced and capable people backing them up, and despite the all-time grudge I’ll hold on Hornacek forever as a player, he brings needed qualities to the team as an assistant coach.

So that’s four good hires for the Rockets now: Silas, Lucas, Higgins, and Hornacek. Silas will be the mastermind, Lucas will relate to the guys the best, while Hornacek brings some grit and toughness, while Higgins likely works scouting and/or development.

The staff may not be 100 percent finalized, but they’re getting close, and we’ll update you the next time we have a hire.

In the meantime, do you have any thoughts on how the staff is taking shape so far?