Corey Brewer provides list of potential coaches for Rockets

Gianni Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks backs in on Corey Brewer #33 of the Houston Rockets. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)

With Houston Rockets general manager Daryl Morey seeking a replacement for Mike D’Antoni, one of his former players offered several ideas for potential candidates.

The Houston Rockets are on the market for a new coach, after Mike D’Antoni abruptly decided that he was disinterested in remaining with the franchise beyond the 2019-20 season. D’Antoni was the winningest coach in franchise history and had the backing and support of James Harden, who is the face of the franchise.

D’Antoni fit Rockets GM Daryl Morey’s philosophy of Morey ball, as the Rockets hoisted an avalanche of 3-pointers and utilized the corner three to perfection. With the Rockets’ personnel, it would seem like D’Antoni’s replacement will likely have a similar approach, as it wouldn’t be wise to totally abandon the Rockets’ gameplan.

The Rockets have been linked to several coaching candidates, and will have competition across the league, as there are five other vacancies, which include the Indiana Pacers, Oklahoma City Thunder, New Orleans Pelicans, Philadelphia 76ers, and Chicago Bulls.

Former Rockets forward Corey Brewer shared his thoughts on what the Rockets should be seeking from D’Antoni’s replacement during his most recent appearance on SportsTalk 790’s The A-Team.

“They’ll have to look for a coach that’s able to deal with personalities. You have two superstars with two different games. But two supermax guys. They both need the ball, so you have to have a system so both can be comfortable and they both can have the ball/share the ball.

And you’ve gotta have a coach that’s going to have the guys playing hard. You’ve gotta play defense. I think a coach that can put up with two superstars can help this team win.”

Brewer is certainly right in that the next coach will need the buy-in of Harden and Russell Westbrook, and will also need to be able to construct a gameplan that fits Harden and Westbrook’s playing styles, which are polar opposites.

Brewer went further and provided a list of options for the Rockets, as they begin their search. Let’s delve into who he recommended!

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