The Houston Rockets might be interested in a partnership with former point guard Sam Cassell.
Houston's coaching search officially began on Sunday after Mike D'Antoni informed the team he would not be returning next year.
Chris Haynes of Yahoo Sports reported the Rockets are expected to show interest in Los Angeles Clippers assistant Tyronn Lue. However, Tim MacMahon of ESPN reported the team could pursue Cassell, another Clippers assistant.
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 recently received a ringing endorsement from current Clippers head coach Doc Rivers, who said his assistant is absolutely deserving of a head coaching job.
The former All-Star has been one of Rivers' assistants since 2014. He was previously as an assistant with the Washington Wizards. But it is possible he will reunite with his old team.
Houston selected Cassell with the 24th overall pick in the 1993 NBA Draft. The former Florida State standout played his first three seasons with the Rockets, winning a pair of championships in 1994 and 1995.
Is he the man to lead this current Rockets team back to the promised land?
The Rockets are a team in search of direction after a five-game loss at the hands of the Los Angeles Lakers in the conference semifinals. They have had pretty steady success in the regular season, but have yet to reach the NBA Finals since the “Clutch City” teams of the mid-90s.
There are also questions as to how Houston will proceed with a pair of ball-dominant stars in James Harden and Russell Westbrook, particularly given Westbrook's struggles in the playoffs.
Daryl Morey faces a number of crucial decisions this offseason. The Rockets' GM might call upon a familiar face to take the helm.
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