Houston Rockets: 5 Best Candidates For Head Coaching Job

April 18, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; ESPN broadcaster Mark Jackson (left), broadcaster Jeff Van Gundy (center), and broadcaster Mike Breen (right) talk before game one of the first round of the NBA Playoffs between the Golden State Warriors and the New Orleans Pelicans at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

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Mar 13, 2015; Dallas, TX, USA; Los Angeles Clippers assistant coach Sam Cassell helps warm up the Clippers before the game against the Dallas Mavericks at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Sam Cassell

Along with Houston assistant Chris Finch, the Rockets interviewed Los Angeles Clippers assistant coach Sam Cassell. Cassell, a former Rockets player who won two championships in Houston, is yet another familiar name with ties to the organization who’d not only be a feel-good move, but has some actual coaching experience as well.

Though he’s never been a professional head coach, he served as an assistant with the Washington Wizards from 2009-14 before joining the Clippers as an assistant. John Wall credited Cassell’s tutelage as playing a prominent role in his development, and Cassell spent the last seven years learning under great basketball minds like Flip Saunders and Doc Rivers.

He’s already secured an interview, he’s a former fan favorite and he could be one of those assistants ready to make the leap to head coach. This might be a dark horse option, but it’s worth mentioning.

Next: No. 3

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