Rockets follow up with candidates as coaching search continues

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The Rockets have had follow-up conversations in the past few days with several of the coaching candidates under consideration as they have narrowed their field of coaches under consideration, a person with knowledge of the process said on the condition of anonymity because of the private nature of talks.

They have not begun a second round of more formal interviews to select a successor for Kevin McHale and J.B. Bickerstaff

ESPN reported on Tuesday that former Suns, Knicks and Lakers coach Mike D'Antoni has been "summoned" to have a second interview with the Rockets and particularly with Rockets owner Leslie Alexander. But according to two individuals involved in the process, an additional formal interview is not scheduled with D'Antoni.

The Rockets have met with former Suns coach Jeff Hornacek, former Cavaliers coach David Blatt, Clippers assistant Sam Cassell, Hornets assistant Stephen Silas and Rockets assistant Chris Finch. Former Pacers coach Frank Vogel and Spurs assistant Ettore Messina are also part of the process, a person with knowledge of talks said though without specifying on whether they have completed interviews.

Bickerstaff and former Rockets guard Kenny Smith also interviewed, but Bickerstaff withdrew from consideration and Smith was told he was no longer a candidate as the Rockets decided to focus on coaches with either head coaching experience or extensive experience as an assistant.