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The Houston Rockets plan another interview with Philadelphia 76ers assistant Mike D'Antoni for their head coaching opening. According to ESPN.com sources, the 76ers' associate head coach has landed a second interview with Houston and is an "increasingly serious candidate."
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The 65-year-old D'Antoni will meet this time with Rockets owner Leslie Alexander, according to ESPN.
The Rockets met with D'Antoni and former Indiana Pacers head coach Frank Vogel after Rockets interim head coach J.B. Bickerstaff withdrew from consideration for the position earlier this month. The Rockets fired Kevin McHale just 11 games into what was the first season of a three-year deal.
The Rockets lost to the Golden State Warriors in five games in the first round of the playoffs. After his meeting with team officials, Bickerstaff withdrew from consideration, despite posting a 37-34 record after succeeding McHale.
The offensive-minded D'Antoni has been a head coach with the Denver Nuggets, Phoenix Suns, New York Knicks and Los Angeles Lakers.
Houston also has interviewed former Cleveland Cavaliers coach David Blatt, former Phoenix Suns coach Jeff Hornacek, Los Angeles Clippers assistant coach Sam Cassell, Charlotte Hornets assistant Stephen Silas, Rockets assistant Chris Finch, TNT analyst Kenny Smith and San Antonio Spurs assistant Ettore Messina.
