Chron: Lawrence Frank, Dwayne Casey and Kevin McHale the finalists for Houston Rockets gig

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Dwane Casey, Lawrence Frank and Kevin McHale have emerged as finalists, heading into a last few interviews. They are among the very few from the deep pool of candidates with head coaching experience; Frank with the Nets and McHale and Casey with the Timberwolves. Casey and Frank add some strong assistant coaching credentials, with Casey adding a vital role in the Mavericks’ dismantling of the Lakers to his bio this week.

 

The Rockets’ won’t generate a whole lot of buzz with the hire, regardless of their choice, but that was never really the goal. Even McHale, an all-time top 50 player and Hall of Famer, is too closely associated with the Timberwolves’ slide for many to celebrate, though no one around the league ever doubted his abilities. Frank and Casey also have great reputations, but never came close to the success that Van Gundy and Adelman brought to town.

 

The idea, however, is not to win the press conference. Any of those guys will do well enough at that, anyway. The tough part, as the first two rounds of the playoffs have shown, will come when it is time to make a move in the stacked Western Conference.

 

http://blog.chron.com/nba/2011/05/as-playoffs-continue-to-astound-without-them-rockets-close-in-on-their-coaching-choice/

 

McHale wasn't a bad coach at all in Minnesota but he is a horrible talent evaluator although he was spot on with Kevin Love. Frank fits the mold of what the Rockets are searching for, which is a young and intelligent coach. Casey might be the favorite though especially when you consider how the Mavericks have improved defensively since his arrival.