Report: Rockets to interview Vanterpool for HC job, likely Lue as well

The Houston Rockets will interview Minnesota Timberwolves assistant David Vanterpool for the team's head coach position, sources told ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.

Vanterpool spent six seasons on Terry Stotts' Portland Trail Blazers staff before becoming the Timberwolves' associate head coach under Ryan Saunders in 2019-20.

The Rockets also reportedly plan to interview Tyronn Lue, according to Wojnarowski. Lue served as Doc Rivers' top assistant with the Los Angeles Clippers this year, joining the team after a successful run as the Cleveland Cavaliers' head coach, where he led the team to the 2016 title.

Rivers parted ways with the Clippers on Monday, reportedly agreeing to become the Philadelphia 76ers' head coach on Thursday. Lue is reportedly in play for the Clippers' top coaching job, while the New Orleans Pelicans - who are run by Lue's former top Cavaliers executive, David Griffin - also plan to interview the 43-year-old.

The Rockets' coaching vacancy has taken a backseat since former coach Mike D'Antoni announced he wouldn't return to the franchise on Sept. 13. D'Antoni, a two-time Coach of the Year, was considered the front-runner for the 76ers' top job before Rivers became available.

The five teams with head coach vacancies are the aforementioned Clippers, Pelicans, and Rockets, as well as the Indiana Pacers and Oklahoma City Thunder.