Houston Rockets Daily Rocket Science: The Never Ending Rumors

Look at all these rumors surrounding the Houston Rockets. Every day it’s something new story.

It’s been six months since Kevin McHale was relieved of his duties and the Houston Rockets are still coachless. As a fan, this is starting to get annoying! In a span of one month, the Rockets have missed out on Tom Thibodeau, Scott Brooks, and now Nate Mcmillan.

Despite the hundreds of rumors that swear Jeff Van Gundy is the front runner in Houston, the Rockets are still interviewing multiple coaches for the open vacancy.

After the news that TNT’s Kenny Smith is no longer a candidate for the job. ESPN‘s Marc Stein and Calvin Watkins has reported that Mike D’Antoni has landed a second interview with the Rockets, and is an increasingly strong candidate for Clutch City.

"Sources told ESPN.com that D’Antoni, currently serving as an associate head coach with the Philadelphia 76ers, was summoned for a second sit-down with the club — this time face-to-face with Rockets owner Leslie Alexander — after impressing in his first interview. The Rockets, sources say, would seek to hire a coach with strong defensive credentials, to essentially serve as D’Antoni’s defensive coordinator, if talks progress to a serious stage and D’Antoni eventually emerges as Houston’s choice to replace Kevin McHale and interim successor J.B. Bickerstaff."

Although Houston’s top priority is hiring a head coach, it’s nice to know the Rockets have not forgotten about upgrading their roster. With Dwight Howard‘s career all but over in Houston, the huge void D12 is leaving behind may quickly be filled.

According to Yoni Pollak of House of Houston, multiple sources have confirmed that the Rockets may fill Howard’s departure with Atlanta Hawks All-Star center Al Horford.

"The Hawks center has always been one of the better big men in the league. An unrestricted free agent this offseason, Horford is sure to receive near-max or max money as the cap rises. Of course, the Horford situation, at least from a Rockets angle, all depends on Dwight Howard. Howard has an opt-out clause he could choose to employ if he wishes to be a free agent this offseason. If he opts out, Morey and the Rockets will go all out in trying to bring Horford to Houston."

This would be a huge move if the Rockets can sign Al Horford this summer. He may not be as known as D12, but Horford is just as good if not better than Howard.

The two-time NCAA champion with the Florida Gators averaged 15.2 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks this past season. He is a versatile big man who can score both inside and out. With the rumors about Horford on the Rockets’ radar, it’s no surprise Houston is desperate to make a home run this summer.

How desperate may you ask? Justin Gloria of Sports Rageous has linked the Rockets up to multiple trade scenarios that include Carmelo Anthony, Jimmy Butler and Blake Griffin.

"The  Rockets are desperate to add another star in the line-up as they struggled this season to make the playoffs and then disappointed in the first round series against the defending champions Golden State Warriors. This has started NBA rumors right after their season ended that major changes are coming in Houston this summer."

Okay, a trade for Blake Griffin would be a home run! Especially if they are able to get Horford as well. Yet, a trade for Jimmy Butler or Carmelo Anthony would not make any sense. Particularly if James Harden is still a Rocket next season.

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