Orlando Magic Rumors: Orlando Magic interview Corliss Williamson
The Orlando Magic’s search to complete its coaching staff took a step forward Friday as the team interviewed Sacramento Kings assistant Corliss Williamson.
The Orlando Magic’s search to fill out their coaching staff continued Friday as the team interviewed Sacramento Kings assistant coach Corliss Williamson, Chris Mannix of The Vertical reports.
Orlando interviewed Corliss Williamson on Friday, sources told @TheVertical. Both sides hopeful to reach a deal to join Frank Vogel's staff.
— Chris Mannix (@SIChrisMannix) June 26, 2016
Williamson has been an assistant coach since he retired in 2007, starting in the college ranks. He started his NBA coaching career in 2013 with the Kings where he remained through all their coaching turmoil since then.
That certainly bodes well for his relationship with multiple staffs and in working with players. He was considered a potential interim replacement for George Karl if the Kings had decided to fire him.
Williamson is very well thought of throughout the NBA world.
He had a 12-year NBA career notably with the Kings and Pistons. He was an undersized power forward who made his way with toughness an grit. He averaged only 11.1 points per game and 3.9 rebounds per game for his entire career, but always found a way to stick in the league.
The Magic are still weighing how to finish their coaching staff.
It appears the Magic have at least found one member of their staff with Chase Forcier. The former San Antonio Spurs assistant coach was among the Magic staffers in their “war room” during the NBA Draft on Thursday, as shown in a photo released by the Magic:
In this photo the #Magic released, Chad Forcier has a nameplate. Current Spurs assistant rumored to Magic: pic.twitter.com/vH7M2FRPQx
— Orlando Magic Daily (@OMagicDaily) June 23, 2016
Bruno Passos of Pounding the Rock confirms Forcier has left the Spurs.
Marc Stein of ESPN.com reported late Monday night the Magic have indeed hired Forcier to be Vogel’s lead assistant.
Chad Forcier will be going from behind the Spurs' bench to the seat next to Frank Vogel as his top aide in the Magic Kingdom
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) June 28, 2016
Completing the rest of the coaching staff will be tricky. It is expected for Frank Vogel to have at least three assistants. And, considering they lost out on Chauncey Billups, the team apparently had a focus on bringing in a former player.
Williamson fits the bill for what the Magic are reportedly looking for, according to Josh Robbins of the Orlando Sentinel:
Frank Vogel is still working on filling out his coaching staff. A focus now: former NBA players who are asst coaches elsewhere.
— Josh Robbins (@JoshuaBRobbins) June 23, 2016
The Magic are likely to have a coaching staff in place for Summer League, which begins this weekend at the Amway Center. Practices will begin some time this week, if they have not already begun. Any coach the Magic have already hired — including Frank Vogel — are likely to be involved in beginning to install their offensive and defensive systems.
The Magic will not have too many notable players though playing in the Summer League with no rookie and Mario Hezonja playing for Croatia in the Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Italy.
That may ease some pressure to fill out and finalize the staff. The Magic though are progressing on finishing this important step and announcing the remainder of their coaching staff.
Next: The salary cap effect of the Serge Ibaka trade
Interviewing Williamson is definitely an interesting and important step for the team. Whether he gets the job or accepts it remains to be seen.