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