John Lucas nears coaching deal with Rockets; Nate McMillan off board - Rockets Wire

The Houston Rockets are close to reaching an agreement with John Lucas to be an assistant on the staff of new coach Stephen Silas, as first reported by Shams Charania of The Athletic.

Since 2016, Lucas has worked with the Rockets as the director of player development for previous head coach Mike D’Antoni. The 66-year-old veteran coach was reportedly one of three finalists in Houston’s recent search for the lead job, alongside Silas and Jeff Van Gundy.

In the 1990s and early 2000s, Lucas was a head coach with San Antonio, Philadelphia, and Cleveland. His age and extensive experience could be a good fit with the 47-year-old Silas, who is becoming an NBA head coach for the first time. Lucas also has existing relationships with current Houston players like All-Star guards James Harden and Russell Westbrook, which is part of why he was a finalist for the main job.

The Rockets are near agreement on deal with John Lucas to be an assistant coach under Stephen Silas, sources tell @TheAthleticNBA @Stadium.

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) November 4, 2020

Besides Lucas, other names reportedly in consideration for Silas’ staff had included former NBA head coaches Jeff Hornacek and Nate McMillan. However, Marc Stein of The New York Times reported Wednesday that McMillan was nearing an agreement with Atlanta, instead.

There is no clear timetable for Silas’ complete staff to be named.

The Hawks are nearing a deal to hire former Pacers coach Nate McMillan as an assistant coach on Lloyd Pierce's staff, league sources say

— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) November 4, 2020