Jeff Hornacek’s search to build a coaching staff has begun with a tragic twist.
Sean Rooks, a candidate to join the Knicks’ coaching staff, died in Philadelphia on Tuesday night, hours after meeting with Knicks brass. Rooks was 46.
An NBA source confirmed Rooks interviewed Tuesday afternoon at the Knicks’ Tarrytown headquarters with Hornacek, Knicks president Phil Jackson and general manager Steve Mills. After taking the train back to Philadelphia, Rooks died suddenly in a Philadelphia restaurant, according to The Vertical.
Rooks, a former NBA journeyman, was the 76ers’ player development coach.
“It is with a profound deal of sadness that we mourn the sudden loss of a beloved son, father and friend, Sean Rooks,” a statement released Tuesday from Sixers owners Josh Harris and David Blitzer read. “Words simply cannot express the heartbreak and shock our entire organization is feeling over this loss.
“Sean will long be remembered not for his accomplishments on the court — of which there were many — but for his vibrant personality, positive outlook and the genuine care he had for everyone in his life. While he is gone far too soon, we will all hold close the time we were able to spend with Sean here in Philadelphia.”
The Sixers also released a statement from Rooks’ mother, Deborah Brown.
“It is with deep sadness and overwhelming grief that we mourn the sudden loss of my son, Sean,” his mother said. “Our family asks that our privacy be respected as we grieve during this incredibly difficult time.”
The 6-foot-10 Rooks played center for 12 years in the NBA after a stellar college career at Arizona. Rooks played for seven teams, including the Lakers, where he played under Kurt Rambis.
It’s nearly a shoo-in Rambis, the former interim coach, will remain on Hornacek’s staff. Talks between Rambis and Hornacek about joining his staff are progressing well, according to an NBA source.
“They’re still talking but things are going well — nothing is final,’’ the source said.
Rambis’ chances of sticking received a gigantic boost when Jackson endorsed the addition Monday night at a promotional event. Hornacek had said in an ESPN Radio interview Friday that it would be “my call.’’
“Well, Kurt fits,’’ Jackson told SNY. “He fits in a number of ways. He’s a teammate of Jeff’s in Phoenix at one point in their careers. He’s also a great team guy, he has a great idea what we’re trying to get accomplished, and I think he can help Jeff feel his way through this club and find the best way for them to play.’’
Hornacek still has to make decisions on Knicks assistants Jim Cleamons, Rasheed Hazzard, Brian Keefe, Joshua Longstaff and David Bliss.
A source told The Post that Hornacek’s former Suns assistant Jerry Sichting “is in the mix.’’
The Vertical reported the Knicks had been “enthusiastic” about the Rooks interview. Hornacek and Rooks shared the same agent.
