Jeff Hornacek’s search to build a coaching staff has begun with a tragic twist.
Sean Rooks, a candidate to join the Knicks’ coaching staff, died in Philadelphia on Tuesday night, hours after meeting with Knicks brass. Rooks was 46.
An NBA source confirmed Rooks interviewed Tuesday afternoon at the Knicks’ Tarrytown headquarters with Hornacek, Knicks president Phil Jackson and general manager Steve Mills. After taking the train back to Philadelphia, Rooks died suddenly in a Philadelphia restaurant, according to The Vertical.
Rooks, a former NBA journeyman, was the 76ers’ player development coach.
“It is with a profound deal of sadness that we mourn the sudden loss of a beloved son, father and friend, Sean Rooks,” a statement released Tuesday from Sixers owners Josh Harris and David Blitzer read.