5 player-turned-coaches the Houston Rockets could target

As the Houston Rockets seek to identify their next head coach, here are five options of former NBA players who have transitioned into the coaching ranks.

Houston Rockets general manager Daryl Morey has been tasked with identifying a new head coach for the fourth time in his 13 years with the team, as former lame duck coach Mike D’Antoni has opted to part ways with the franchise. D’Antoni was viewed as a players coach, as Rockets star James Harden was a big proponent of the 69-year-old coach and even wanted him back with the Rockets next season.

The Rockets have one of the best coaching jobs available, as they boast two MVPs in their backcourt, and two All-NBA performers in Harden and Russell Westbrook. The new coach will also have the benefit of working alongside Morey, who is viewed as one of the best general managers in the league, as he’s proven to be able to creatively finagle the Collective Bargaining Agreement time and time again.

The Rockets will be sure to have competition for some of the top candidates on the market, as there are a number of vacancies across the league. In addition, the NBA is attempting to kick off the 2020-21 season in short order, which could prompt several teams and coaches to make quick decisions. With the Rockets reportedly seeking a players coach like D’Antoni, here are five coaching targets that played in the NBA and/or have assisted in the growth and development of stars across the league.

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