Given the lack of competition for the top head coach candidates, the Magic have been able to proceed deliberately in their search for Stan Van Gundy's replacement. With the Knicks and Wizards retaining interim coaches and the 7-59 Bobcats the only other club interviewing candidates, Orlando hasn't had to worry about missing out on a head coach until now, according to Josh Robbins of the Orlando Sentinel. Robbins writes that the Trail Blazers and new GM Neil Olshey could end up replacing Kaleb Canales, and that many of the same candidates the Magic are eyeing could have interest in the Portland job.
As the Magic decide whether to accelerate their coaching search, let's round up a few more odds and ends from around the Association….
- The Magic may need to decide on a GM before hiring a new coach, and Ken Berger of CBS Sports says Jeff Bower is believed to be the frontrunner for the job.
- Emiliano Carchia of Sportando passes along a quote from Real Madrid coach Pablo Laso (via Marca.com) suggesting that Laso believes unrestricted free agent Rudy Fernandez could return to Spain next season.
- The Lakers are far more likely to extend Andrew Bynum than to trade him, says Eric Pincus of HoopsWorld.
- Jared Zwerling of ESPNNewYork.com identifies five point guard prospects the Knicks could take with their second-round pick.
- The Mavericks have two players currently in Greece on their radar, according to Nikos Varlas of Eurohoops.net. Dallas hold the NBA rights to 2009 second-round pick Nick Calathes and also could be eyeing former lottery pick Acie Law, says Varlas.
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