Rockets to Interview 76ers’ Sam Cassell on Sunday as Coaching Search Intensifies

The Rockets are scheduled to interview 76ers assistant Sam Cassell for their head-coaching vacancy on Sunday, per Kelly Iko of The Athletic.

Cassell is among those interviewing for the position, as GM Rafael Stone and the Rockets have cast a wide net. Former Lakers coach Frank Vogel, former Celtics coach Ime Udoka and former Hornets coach James Borrego reportedly have all interviewed already.

Warriors assistant Kenny Atkinson and Suns assistant Kevin Young are also believed to be strongly in the mix. Nick Nurse, who was fired as Raptors coach on Friday, is expected to become a candidate with the Rockets as well, per Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN.

Cassell, who won two championships with the Rockets as a player, is in his 14th season as an assistant coach.

After retiring in 2008, he joined the late Flip Saunders as an assistant with the Wizards, then signed on with Doc Rivers with the Clippers in 2014. He stayed with Rivers when Rivers became head coach of Philadelphia in 2020.

Houston is looking to replace Stephen Silas, fired after three seasons and a 17-65 record this year.

The Houston Rockets will interview longtime assistant Sam Cassell for the franchise’s head coaching job on Sunday, sources tell @TheAthletic. Cassell, a three-time champion and former Rocket, has been with the Philadelphia 76ers since 2020.

— Kelly Iko (@KellyIko) April 20, 2023