Community Shootaround: Next Rockets Coach

In the 1970s, Mike D’Antoni used to compete against Paul Silas on the court. Now he’s competing against Silas’ son for the Rockets’ head coaching job.

Hornets assistant Stephen Silas is receving serious consideration for the position, according to a report Friday by Jonathan Feigen of The Houston Chronicle. Silas impressed GM Daryl Morey and owner Leslie Alexander in a pair of interviews and is now rivaling D’Antoni, who was once thought to be the clear favorite.

Silas is among the youngest 16-year veterans ever in the coaching profession, having started his career with the original Charlotte Hornets at age 27. He is also very much in demand. Silas has an interview scheduled Monday with Warriors coach Steve Kerr about becoming his lead assistant, and the Trail Blazers have been granted permission to talk with Silas about becoming Terry Stotts’ top assistant.

Although D’Antoni and Silas are co-front runners in Houston, the Rockets haven’t stopped the interview process. They will talk to Spurs assistant James Borrego on Monday, and plan to bring in Magic assistant Adrian Griffin as well. Former Cavs coach David Blatt, Raptors assistant Rex Kalamian‎, Grizzlies assistant Jeff Bzdelik, Spurs assistant Ettore Messina, Clippers assistant Sam Cassell and current Rockets assistant Chris Finch were among the others interviewed. TNT analyst Kenny Smith and former Rockets coach Jeff Van Gundy are no longer considered candidates for the position.

That brings us to tonight’s question: Who should the Rockets hire as their next coach? Should they take a veteran like D’Antoni, whose free-flowing offense paved the way for much of what Houston does now? Should it be Silas, who seems ready for the opportunity after more than a decade and a half as an assistant? Will Borrego or Griffin shake up the status quo, or is there someone else who should be considered?

Take to the comments section below to share your thoughts and opinions on the topic. We look forward to what you have to say.

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