How much sense would Hardaway make in Orlando?
Josh Robbins, Magic beat writer: There’s no question that Hardaway’s presence would energize and excite fans. Having a high-profile coach could help the franchise if, as expected, the team continues to struggle in the early stages of its rebuild.
But the Magic’s coaching hire is critical for reasons beyond generating a buzz among the fan base. The Magic must develop their young nucleus of players.
The coaching hire, as well as her or his assistant coaches, must ― absolutely MUST ― create a culture of accountability. Holding young players accountable is difficult in a situation where a team is just beginning a rebuild. Those young players typically attempt to earn spots in the pecking order and are attempting to earn their next contract, creating obstacles for the coaching staff.
What has he shown at Memphis?
Robbins: Hardaway has received generally strong reviews for his tenure at Memphis. He’s said to have connected well with his players, and connecting with players will be a critical task for Orlando’s next coach. Clifford and his assistant coaches connected with their players, got those players to buy in to their vision and held the players accountable. Clifford’s successor must do the same.
But in many ways, the next coach’s task will be more difficult along those lines. The rosters Clifford worked with had the talent and the experience to challenge for playoff spots. The Magic’s current roster most likely is a few years away from reaching that stage.
Who else could rise as serious candidates?
Robbins: Everyone who is listed in this report could emerge as a serious candidate, including Hammon and Unseld. Most NBA insiders also expect the Magic to take a serious look at LA Clippers assistant coach Kenny Atkinson since Atkinson has relevant head-coaching experience; in 2016, he took over a Brooklyn Nets team that was in a similar spot to the Magic’s situation now.
Also, it is critical to emphasize that the Magic probably already have spoken with a long list of candidates. It’s probable that some candidates’ names haven’t become public yet.
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