HoopsHype.com Rumors

KHOU 11 Sports has confirmed that the Houston Rockets will interview both former player Mario Elie and current assistant Jack Sikma for the vacant head coaching job. Both men have been rumored to be candidates for the job from the start and are expected to meet with the team later next week. Elie, who is currently an assistant with the Sacramento Kings, played for the Rockets from 1993-1998, helping bring to NBA Championships to Houston. khou.com

Houston Rockets, Coaching, Mario Elie, Jack Sikma 

Beginning next week, Morey will interview Rockets assistant coach Jack Sikma and former Rockets forward Mario Elie, an assistant in Sacramento, and plans to speak with former head coaches Mike Brown and Mike Woodson. Houston Chronicle

Houston Rockets, Mike Woodson, Coaching, Mike Brown, Mario Elie, Jack Sikma 

Rick Adelman on how you fill the shoes of a Rick Adelman and if the team has a short list right now: “We’re going to have a wide process. It’s going to be different than last time. Actually it was similar in many ways in that we’re letting go an extremely good coach. … Last time, though, we had a pretty solid foundation with Tracy [McGrady] and Yao and we were trying to fill out that foundation. We feel like we’re in a different state this time where we’re still trying to build a foundation and we’re looking for a coach that fits that environment. That’s going to be a wider process; it’s not going to be a quick process.” Will they look at current assistants Elston Turner or Jack Sikma?: “We’re going to have a wide process and I’ll be speaking to Coach Turner and Coach Sikma over the next few days. … Depending on how the process goes, we would like to keep some continuity as possible.” Sports Radio Interviews

Houston Rockets, Coaching, Rick Adelman, Jack Sikma, Elston Turner 

Morey would not discuss what he will seek in the next coach, saying the priorities have not been finalized. Though he spoke with Rockets assistants Jack Sikma and Elston Turner, no interviews have been scheduled with any candidates. Turner through his agent, withdrew his name from consideration Tuesday. Though he made several references to the hope coaches would not be judged based on their "name," he added that is not an indication that he plans to seek an assistant coach. Houston Chronicle

Houston Rockets, Coaching, Rick Adelman, Jack Sikma, Elston Turner 

Rockets general manager Daryl Morey spoke with Turner and assistant coach Jack Sikma, “We talked about it a little bit,” Sikma, 51, said. “I appreciate the opportunity to have a chance for an interview. I had a fantastic experience with Rick (Adelman). I think it helped me a lot. I appreciate the opportunity to have the experience to go through the process.” Houston Chronicle

Houston Rockets, Coaching, Rick Adelman, Jack Sikma, Elston Turner 

The first interviews, however, will go to Elston Turner, Jack Sikma and Mario Elie. They would need to wow Morey and Alexander in interviews, which will mean showing an emphasis on developing players.Rockets assistants Elston Turner and Jack Sikma and former Rockets player Mario Elie, who has been an assistant with the Kings, Warriors and Spurs, will interview for the position, according to a person with knowledge of the process. Houston Chronicle

Houston Rockets, Coaching, Mario Elie, Jack Sikma, Elston Turner 

Adrian Wojnarowski: Expect the Rockets to grant interviews to assistants Elston Turner and Jack Sikma, source says. Both are considered future head coaches. Twitter

Houston Rockets, Coaching, Elson Turner, Jack Sikma