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Former Houston Rockets player and player development coach Jon Lucas was reportedly one of three finalists for the open head coaching position that ultimately went to Stephen Silas. Some inside the front office were really high on him, and he was also reportedly on James Harden’s short list of preferable replacements.
But despite losing out on the main job, Lucas is reportedly back in talks with the organization to be one of Silas’ assistants.
The Rockets are near agreement on deal with John Lucas to be an assistant coach under Stephen Silas, sources tell @TheAthleticNBA @Stadium.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) November 4, 2020
It’s not been reported yet in what capacity Lucas will serve, but it’s generally being assumed there will likely be some added responsibility over his past player development position.
This is a good move to keep a steady voice within Houston’s coaching staff, and it will likely help appease Harden, who was reportedly strongly opposed to other finalist Jeff Van Gundy. The offensive-minded Silas should be a good fit for The Beard though, especially with his abilities in coaching guard play, and an already established locker room presence to back him up in Lucas is a prudent move by Houston’s new front office and GM Rafael Stone.
We’ll have another update for you when the Lucas hire is official, but it seems pretty safe to assume he’ll be officially part of the new staff very soon.
UPDATE:
John Lucas has agreed to a deal to join new Rockets coach Stephen Silas on his coaching staff, sources tell @espn_macmahon and me. Lucas had been in a player development role under Mike D'Antoni.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) November 5, 2020
Welcome back, John Lucas!!!