The Houston Rockets are hiring Lionel Hollins, Mike Batiste, and Mahmoud Abdelfattah to become their newest assistant coaches, Mark Berman of Fox 26 Houston has reported.
Hollins, a defensive-minded strategist, last served as an assistant for the Los Angeles Lakers, wherein he won an NBA title as part of Frank Vogel’s staff in the 2019-2020 season. He also coached the Memphis Grizzlies during the infamous “Grit and Grind” era.
Meanwhile, Abdelfattah is an up-and-coming young coach who led the Rio Grande Valley Vipers to the G League championship last season.
And lastly, Batiste is an experienced bench mentor who had previous stints with the Brooklyn Nets (2016-17), Charlotte Hornets (2017-18), Orlando Magic (2018-21), and Washington Wizards (2021-22).
The trio will replace former assistants Jeff Hornacek, Will Weaver, and DeSagana Diop who departed from the team following the ending of last season.
The only one who remained in Stephen Silas’ coaching leadership is John Lucas III.
Bannered by Jalen Green, Alperen Sengun, Kevin Porter Jr., and the third pick of the recent draft in Jabari Smith Jr., the Rockets are highly touted as one of the most promising teams in the NBA.
