Ben Sullivan Return to Rockets Appears More Likely

Inside Houston, the Rockets are still shaping a coaching staff that helped lift the team back into the Western Conference race, and one familiar name now seems more likely to remain in the building. Ben Sullivan, a key assistant on Ime Udoka’s staff, interviewed with the Portland Trail Blazers for their head coaching opening, but the latest reporting points toward a return to Houston.

That matters for a Rockets group coming off a strong step forward. Continuity has value, especially for a young roster that made defensive gains and developed clearer structure under Udoka and his assistants. Sullivan has been part of that mix, and his possible return would preserve one more piece of a staff that helped steady the franchise.

Ben Sullivan and the Rockets staff could stay together

Sullivan drew interest from Portland during the Blazers' coaching search, which is the kind of call successful assistants hope to get. The interview signaled that his work in Houston has been noticed around the league. Based on the Sports Illustrated report, though, a move to Oregon does not look like the most likely outcome right now.

For the Rockets, retaining Sullivan would keep another experienced voice on the bench alongside Udoka. Assistant coaches do a large share of the daily work, from scouting to player development to game-planning. Teams with young cores often benefit when those voices stay in place from one season to the next.

Houston has spent the last two seasons trying to move from rebuild mode into playoff contention. A staff shake-up is part of the NBA every spring, yet bringing back a respected assistant can help preserve habits established during training camp, film work, and the regular season grind. That is a practical win for a roster that still leans on internal growth.

Why coaching continuity matters for Houston

The Rockets made progress last season because their identity became clearer. They defended with more discipline, played with sharper structure, and got stronger contributions from young players working in defined roles. Coaches do not score points, but they shape the environment that allows those gains to stick.

Sullivan’s name surfacing in another team’s search also says something about Houston’s bench. Opposing front offices tend to target assistants from staffs that are organized, well prepared, and connected to player development. That does not guarantee future wins, though it does reinforce the idea that the Rockets have built a coaching group other teams respect.

No final announcement was detailed in the source report, so the situation remains one to track until Portland completes its hiring process and Houston finalizes its own staff. Still, the current read is favorable for the Rockets, who may avoid losing an assistant at a time when offseason planning, draft prep, and player development work are already underway.

The next concrete step will come when Portland names its coach and the Rockets confirm their returning staff for the 2025-26 season. Until then, Houston’s front office and coaching group appear positioned to keep at least one more important piece in place.

This article is a summary of reporting by Sports Illustrated. Read the full story here.