The focus in the Magic’s coaching search has centered on experienced NBA coaches. Ettore Messina has experience of a different kind worth consideration.
When the Oklahoma City Thunder fired Scott Brooks, the Orlando Magic gained some serious competition for their potential head coaching vacancy. All of a sudden, the Magic may not have the best coaching vacancy.
Not that coaches were clamoring to join up with the Magic as they wait for other jobs to open up. Plenty of other jobs could open up as the Playoffs continue, potentially pushing the Magic down the pecking order.
Orlando will have to be discerning with their coaching decision. Oklahoma City, on the other hand, seems poised to move quickly. You do not fire a coach with all the success Brooks has had with that talent without having an idea of who will replace him. The going rumor is Florida coach Billy Donovan.
There are plenty others though. Including a name that has piqued my interest since December, when it was becoming clear Jacque Vaughn was not getting the job done for the Magic:
Early fave for OKC job clearly Billy Donovan but word in coaching circles is that Spurs assistant coach Ettore Messina is on Thunder's list
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) April 23, 2015
Who is Ettore Messina?
If you are a NBA junkie, you might say the first-year assistant for the Spurs. If you are an international basketball junkie, Messina’s name carries a lot of weight. And his importing to the NBA is something that has been long awaited and anticipated.
Now that David Blatt has had his opportunity as a head coach, it seems to have opened the door for the best coaches around the world to have an opportunity in the world’s greatest league. The trend and the timing seems to be right for Messina to get a shot in the NBA.
Next: Meet Ettore Messina