The competition for the Rockets head coaching position got another, very different contender on Friday.
While still considering Mike D'Antoni for what would be his fifth head coaching positon, the Rockets are also seriously weighing the hiring of Hornets assistant Stephen Silas, long considered one of the NBA's rising and respected assistants, two individuals familiar with the team's decision-making said on Friday.
Silas' potential staff, according to the individuals that spoke on the condition of anonymity because of the private nature of talks, would include former Grizzlies and Nets head coach Lionel Hollins as lead assistant.
Though very traditional in his approach, Hollins has long been favored by Rockets general manager Daryl Morey, who hoped to add Hollins to Kevin McHale's coaching staff after the 2013-14 season before Hollins landed the head coaching position with the Brooklyn Nets.