Sources: Rockets interviewed D’Antoni for job

12:01 AM ET

Veteran NBA head coach Mike D’Antoni was in Houston this week interviewing for the Houston Rockets’ vacant coaching position, ESPN.com has learned.

Sources told ESPN.com that D’Antoni, currently associate head coach of the Philadelphia 76ers, spent Wednesday in Houston on Wednesday after the Rockets secured permission from the Sixers to speak with him.

The Rockets are just beginning what they intend to be a broad, deliberate search to finding a new head coach, not unlike the approach taken concurrently by the Sacramento Kings.

Sources confirmed Wednesday to ESPN.com’s Calvin Watkins that Rockets interim coach J.B. Bickerstaff, after posting a 37-34 record upon succeeding Kevin McHale and helping Houston rally into a playoff spot despite its season-long defensive struggles, has withdrawn from consideration after interviewing Monday with team officials.

J.B. Bickerstaff went 37-34 after taking over for Kevin McHale in Houston this season. AP Photo/Brandon Dill

Sources say that former Rockets coach Jeff Van Gundy remains a candidate of prime interest, with Houston also known to have strong interest in Indiana Pacers …

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