The Orlando Magic recently fired HC Steve Clifford, who was the coach of the Magic for the last three years. He led the Magic to two playoff appearances, but the Magic are now headed down a rebuild after trading Nikola Vucevic, Aaron Gordon, and Evan Fournier. The Magic seemed to have a frontrunner in former Magic All-NBA PG Penny Hardaway, however, the former No. 3 overall pick pulled out of the race, and will stay at Memphis. So, here are five head coach candidates that the Magic could hire:
Wes Unseld Jr.
Wes Unseld Jr., son of Hall of Famer Wes Unseld, has gained traction as a HC candidate for the Magic. Unseld Jr., who is currently an assistant coach with the Denver Nuggets, has already had two interviews with Orlando. Having a second interview indicates that Unseld has emerged as a serious candidate for the job.
Furthermore, Unseld Jr. worked as an assistant with the Magic from 2012-15, making a coaching hire even more likely.
Becky Hammon
Becky Hammon has been an assistant coach under all-time great Gregg Popovich for seven years. Hammon, 44, has also interviewed for the job. However, reports came out that the Portland Trail Blazers received less-than-glowing feedback from the Spurs on Becky Hammon.
Despite the less-than-glowing feedback from the Spurs, Orlando could hire Hammon.
Kenny Atkinson
Kenny Atkinson, who has spent this year as part of the Clippers coaching staff, is a perfect developmental coach for the Magic. In addition to his experience as part of the Clippers, Knicks, Nets and Hawks coaching staff, the 54-year-old has proven himself adept at developing a winning culture from a bleak situation. Also, Atkinson played internationally in five countries in his 14-year career and uses his experiences as connective tissue with his players.
So, look no further than Atkinson, a guy who might bring the best long-term outlook.
Terry Stotts
Terry Stotts is a veteran coach, and could fit well in Orlando. Stotts, who has spent nine seasons in Portland, leaves the Trail Blazers as the second-winningest coach in franchise history, including eight consecutive playoff appearances — the longest streak in the league. He was 402-318 in his nine seasons as a Blazers coach.
David Vanterpool
Vanterpool, who was a very successful player in Russia, was an assistant coach with highly-respected club CSKA Moscow before being named the Oklahoma City Thunder’s director of player personnel in 2010. Vanterpool then moved to the Portland Trail Blazers’ bench in 2012, serving as an assistant for almost a decade before going to Minnesota in 2019.
If the Magic want a coach with tons of experience, Vanterpool might be the guy.