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The rumors for the next head coach of the Houston Rockets are already getting hot and heavy. Earlier today, it was reported that Houston was interested in former Rockets coach Jeff Van Gundy.
Now, after former head coach Mike D’Antoni announced he would not be back in H-town, it’s being reported that former Rockets player Sam Cassell and Houston’s front office have “mutual interest” in the open position.
Sources: There is mutual interest between the Rockets and Clippers assistant coach Sam Cassell. Cassell started his playing career with the two-time champion “Clutch City” Rockets.
— Tim MacMahon (@espn_macmahon) September 13, 2020
Cassell started off his NBA career with Rockets, selected 24th overall by the team out of Florida State University, and the guard played a key role in the back-to-back Houston titles in 1994 and 1995 before being traded to Phoenix in the Charles Barkley deal in 1996.
Cassell then played for the Suns, Mavericks, Nets, Bucks, Timberwolves, Clippers, and Celtics, earning one NBA All-Star appearance in 2004 with Minnesota and a third NBA title in 2008 in Boston. He finished his NBA career averaging 15.7 points, 6 assists, 3.2 rebounds, and 1.1 steals per game.
Cassell then started off his coaching career in 2009 as an assistant coach with the Washington Wizards and was later hired by the Clippers in 2014, where he’s built a reputation as one of the game’s top assistants.
Doc Rivers this week: “Sam Cassell should be a head coach, period. He’s got an incredibly high basketball IQ, and I just hope he gets a shot. ... When they talk about paying dues, he’s paid every due that is possible and he’s yet to get a job. So, I’m hoping that happens.”
— Tim MacMahon (@espn_macmahon) September 13, 2020
We’ll have more coaching rumors as they develop, but it’s cool to see the Rockets interested in one of their own!