Kenny Smith interviewed for the Houston Rockets’ head coaching vacancy but will remain in his position as an analyst for TNT instead.
The former Rockets point guard discussed his interview with Houston during TNT’s pregame show Monday prior to Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals.
“Some of the information is sensitive … but we met,” Smith said. “Then after we met, I had great talks with (team owner) Les Alexander afterwards for a couple of days. We corresponded.
“The Rockets have a philosophy of what they think their coach should be. Right now, I’m here and it looks like I’m going to be here. And that’s great.”
Though Smith is happy to continue in his role on the wildly successful “Inside the NBA” for Turner Sports, he appreciated the opportunity to talk with the Rockets.
“It was great to reminisce about the two championships that we did win together — get reunited with Les again. I wish them nothing but the best — without question. But this is a seat that a lot of people want to be in,” he said of his current job.
Smith’s statement in the pregame show essentially confirmed what had been reported earlier in the day by the Houston Chronicle’s Jonathan Feigen. Feigen said Smith was out of the running despite being considered a very impressive candidate.
In addition to the many candidates they have already interviewed, the Rockets are said to have serious interest in Jeff Van Gundy, Frank Vogel and Ettore Messina. They are reportedly most interested in former coaches or assistants with tremendous experience.
