Ettore Messina: Explaining the dark-horse coaching candidate
He is a great offensive mind and that is something the Magic desperately need. The Thunder are not as desperate for it, but they need a coach that can create more complexity to get them through the crucible of the Playoffs.
Messina could certainly provide that complexity.
So why would Messina be a good fit with Orlando?
That high ceiling is one reason why.
The Magic have taken a long-term view to their rebuild. They are not likely looking for a coach to get them to the Playoffs before moving on to the next one. They seemingly want the Playoffs soon, but they want a coach that could still grow with the team. That was the thinking behind hiring Vaughn in the first place.
With a team without a star at the moment, the Magic need a coach with incredible schematic insight who can bend the team in an efficient and effective way. This team needs a coach that can impose an identity and create a system for the Magic to play in and thrive in.
Messina has done that throughout his 20-year coaching career. He is an offensive coach that has a system and identity, but also the flexibility to adapt. At least, he did in his highly successful European career. No one knows what kind of NBA coach he would be.
Maybe this is all a long shot. Maybe it is too much of a risk as Messina is completely unproven at this level. Maybe his style works in Europe but not in the NBA.
There is no information currently connecting Messina to the Magic. And only a scant threat connecting him to the Thunder. His focus for now is on the Spurs’ title defense.
Someone is going to take that risk, and maybe it should not be the Magic. Or maybe it should.
One thing is clear, Messina’s time is coming if he is ready for it.