The Magic interviewed University of Memphis coach Penny Hardaway for their head coaching position, with Hardaway now emerging as a serious candidate for the job, Shams Charania of The Athletic reports.
Hardaway, who played six seasons with Orlando from 1993-99, has coached at the University of Memphis for the past three years. He’s considered to be one of the top guards in Magic history, making the All-Star team four times during his tenure with the franchise.
The Magic and coach Steve Clifford parted ways earlier this month after finishing the season 21-51 — that was the third-worst record in the league. The team has missed the playoffs in seven of its last 10 seasons and is currently in a rebuilding phase.
Along with Hardaway, Orlando has requested to interview Suns assistant Willie Green and Bucks assistant Charles Lee, according to The Athletic’s Josh Robbins.
The team has already interviewed Spurs assistant Becky Hammon and is expected to interview current assistants Tyrone Corbin, Pat Delany and Steve Hetzel, along with Nuggets assistant Wes Unseld Jr., says Charania. In addition, Marc Stein of The New York Times also reported (via Twitter) that Orlando requested to interview Mavericks assistant Jamahl Mosley.
I lived in Orlando during the Penny era (which is sort of funny, as I live in Memphis now). He was absolutely idolized by the city, and rightfully so. If he’s interested in the Magic job, I’d guess it’s his to lose…
The rebuilding teams hire young coaches
The expectations will be very low with their roster. Even if/when the Magic lose 60-65 games next season his job would remain safe.
Situations like this are always difficult for me to interpret. I’m sure he’s definitely a hero in Orlando, but would he want to risk ruining his image in the city if his time coaching the Magic went poorly?
This seems like more of a philosophical topic than anything, but if I were him, I’d probably prefer to either stay at Memphis (where he’s got a nice situation anyway) or coach for pretty much any NBA team other than the Magic. I don’t think he could do anything to be loved in Orlando more than he already is, so depending on how you look at it it’s almost like he’s got nothing to gain and everything to lose. But obviously anyone else probably has a different mindset.
I think your point is VERY valid, especially now living in Memphis (I didn’t live here when he played his college ball here) and experiencing the love this place has for him.
Willie Green is part of the Sun’s resurgence. a psychologist-type coach. Their minds might wander in Orlando, in the rebuild years.
I always liked Willie
hey remember when I said this weeks ago
No.
You wouldn’t have commented if u didn’t
lmao, nobody remembers what anyone posts here unless it’s Marty or Wally’s homer posts.
So, Orlando doesn’t wanna pay much for their next head coach, huh?
a dime a dozen.
I think he likes Memphis buy it looks like a great fit on paper
Magic fans:
A PENNY for your thoughts on this.
don’t think it makes much cents.
Very nice.
Penny was a big time talent in Orlando. But I’m not sure he is ready to coach in NBA. He should work as an assistant for a few yrs. If he’s really serious. I think Atkinson for a young rebuilding team is a smart move. Magic are going to get TWO very nice talents in draft. With Isaac coming back. Their future is not far away. I’d say they are better off than Rockets.
#5 – Kuminga, #8 – K Johnson . Both these players have big upside. And great size for their position. I like Fultz coming along too. Doubt he comes back next yr. Better to let him heal right. Get a long look at Anthony. I like both Magic picks. Plenty talent there. I would not trade them either. Trust me Issac is for real.
Agreed on Atkinson. We all saw the steady progression the NETS had with him on board.
Why gamble on Penny, when there’s Atkinson still available.