Source: Stephen Silas, Mike D'Antoni top list for Rockets job

The Houston Rockets' coaching search has emerged with two strong leading candidates for the job in Mike D'Antoni and Stephen Silas, according to a source.

Silas' two interviews with team officials, the last of which was with owner Leslie Alexander on Thursday, impressed them so much that the team could see hiring him as a head coach to replace Kevin McHale, who was fired 11 games into the season. J.B. Bickerstaff served as the team's interim coach for the rest of the season.

The Golden State Warriors have expressed interest in Silas for one of their assistant coaching positions, a source said, with Luke Walton leaving to take the Los Angeles Lakers' head-coaching job. That development, according to a source, worries the Rockets because of their desire to hire Silas should the organization pick him over D'Antoni or another candidate.

Rockets sources said they wanted a coach with experience, but if the team leans toward Silas, he would be paired up with veteran assistant coaches such as former Brooklyn and Memphis coach Lionel Hollins.

The Rockets are still considering others, and sources told ESPN's Marc Stein that Houston has scheduled an interview with Grizzlies finalist and current Spurs assistant James Borrego, the 11th known candidate for the job.

But there's a feeling that Silas and D'Antoni are the frontrunners for the Rockets. Silas is currently an assistant coach with Charlotte, and D'Antoni is the associate head coach in Philadelphia.

The Golden State Warriors have expressed interest in Silas for one of their assistant coaching positions with Luke Walton leaving to take the Los Angeles Lakers head-coaching job. That development, according to a source, worries the Rockets because of their desire to hire Silas should the organization pick him over D'Antoni or another candidate.