<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">ESPN sources say that the Houston Rockets today interviewed Toronto Raptors assistant coach Rex Kalamian for their head coaching vacancy.</p>— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) <a href="https://twitter.com/ESPNSteinLine/status/733413410583412737">May 19, 2016</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Sources say Houston secured permission from Toronto for Les Alexander and Daryl Morey to travel to Cleveland to meet Kalamian earlier today.</p>— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) <a href="https://twitter.com/ESPNSteinLine/status/733414108326854656">May 19, 2016</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Like Houston's interest in Charlotte's Stephen Silas, today's visit with Kalamian was head coach-specific but also with an eye to the future</p>— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) <a href="https://twitter.com/ESPNSteinLine/status/733415150623940609">May 19, 2016</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Sources say Houston has strong interest in Kalamian even if it hires leading candidate Mike D'Antoni; Kalamian is very close to James Harden</p>— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) <a href="https://twitter.com/ESPNSteinLine/status/733415587901104128">May 19, 2016</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Kalamaian is also coveted by Scott Brooks for Brooks' new Wizards staff and forged a close bond with Harden when they worked together in OKC</p>— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) <a href="https://twitter.com/ESPNSteinLine/status/733416230707552256">May 19, 2016</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Kalamian has an outstanding reputation, well respected by players. Told there could be another young candidate that has not been mentioned.</p>— Jonathan Feigen (@Jonathan_Feigen) <a href="https://twitter.com/Jonathan_Feigen/status/733415394187169797">May 19, 2016</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Kalamian has an outstanding reputation, well respected by players. Told there could be another young candidate that has not been mentioned.</p>— Jonathan Feigen (@Jonathan_Feigen) <a href="https://twitter.com/Jonathan_Feigen/status/733415394187169797">May 19, 2016</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Kalamaian is also coveted by Scott Brooks for Brooks' new Wizards staff and forged a close bond with Harden when they worked together in OKC</p>— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) <a href="https://twitter.com/ESPNSteinLine/status/733416230707552256">May 19, 2016</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
It would seem comical to interview this guy for a top assistant position. He's had that position for much better organizations for what, the past 6-7 years? He probably has the ability to do that with Brooks in Washington. Why the f would he want to be the top assistant under Pringles? Or Silas? He wouldn't. But as a head coaching interview, it is finally something that makes some sense. This dude was with OKC for 6 years until this past year, so he's tight with Harden, and Durant. http://newsok.com/article/5458229
They got their coach. Interviewing assistants now. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">NBA coaching sources say all signs continue to point to the Rockets hiring leading candidate Mike D'Antoni as their coach in the near future</p>— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) <a href="https://twitter.com/ESPNSteinLine/status/733421947577503744">May 19, 2016</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">With the Rockets wanting experience to take over, Kalamian might be hired for an associate head coach spot if he doesn't get the head job.</p>— Calvin Watkins (@calvinwatkins) <a href="https://twitter.com/calvinwatkins/status/733421365940785154">May 19, 2016</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
The only way this makes sense is because he apparently left his family in OKC. I'm guessing they weren't keen on a move to Toronto... completely different lifestyle. Because other wise, lead assistant with Toronto seems a much better job.
I'm tired of going after assistants that only have the "he has a good reputation and is well-liked by players" resume. Why not coaches with proven track records?
