Rockets Coaching Search Tracker

Though the Rockets are not expected to interview as many candidates as in some of their previous searches, they expected to meet with roughly eight coaches in the initial phase of the search, a person with knowledge of the team’s plans said. They could continue interviews based on the availability of additional candidates and did not plan to seek a quick deal with any one targeted coach without interviewing others on the initial list.

The Rockets have also begun the process of interviewing Frank Vogel and Ime Udoka, who have been out of coaching since leaving the Lakers and Celtics, respectively, since last season, a person with knowledge of the process said.

The Rockets also have scheduled an interview with former Charlotte Hornets coach James Borrego, who had two stints as an assistant with the San Antonio Spurs, the individual familiar with the Rockets process said.

They also have received permission to interview Golden State Warriors assistant Kenny Atkinson and Toronto Raptors assistant Adrian Griffin, a person with knowledge of the process said Tuesday. Both have previous ties with the Rockets, Atkinson as a player development assistant, and Griffin as a player in 2003-04.

The Rockets also received permission to interview Phoenix Suns assistant Kevin Young, another individual familiar with the Rockets’ coaching search said.

The Rockets would have interest in scheduling an interview with Raptors coach Nick Nurse, another person familiar with the team’s thinking said, if Nurse opts to leave the Raptors. The Raptors were eliminated from the play-in tournament Wednesday, when they lost to the Chicago Bulls.