Adrian Griffin makes sense for the Orlando Magic
By Ryan Doyle
If the Orlando Magic cannot land Frank Vogel, Orlando’s assistant coach Adrian Griffin deserves a look at a promotion.
Generally, Orlando Magic fans and NBA experts feel Frank Vogel is the number one option for the Orlando Magic. The Magic have reached out to him and interviewed him and it seems the feeling is mutual. Vogel brings a lot to the table, but he will come at a very steep price.
The price is not the only issue when it comes to Vogel. Every team that has a coaching vacancy has Vogel at the top of their list — Vogel has already interviewed with three teams. The Magic will be in heated competition to bring him to Florida.
If the Magic do not land the former Indiana Pacers coach, current assistant coach Adrian Griffin is an extremely appealing option. The Magic interviewed Griffin on Tuesday in New York while the team was attending the NBA Draft Lottery and it appears Vogel and Griffin are the leading candidates for the now-vacant coaching position.
Griffin spent last season as the lead assistant to head coach Scott Skiles and is more than deserving to be on that list. Griffin checks a lot of boxes on the list of basic criteria the Magic set out for their new head coach — defensive minded, focused on player development and attractive to play for free agents .
First and foremost, the Magic have had two different coaches the past two seasons and will have four coaches since February 2015. That is a ton of turnover for a team that is desperate for stability.
There is some attractiveness to stability after all that change. Especially for a team that took some — if only small — steps forward last season.
Griffin will run a similar system to Skiles. Continuing the defense-first mindset Skiles implemented last year. Familiarity could also help players take a big step in their development.
Griffin is certainly the “safe-option.” He may not be the biggest name that would make headlines like a Vogel or Mike D’Antoni would, but he is certainly respected around the league. Griffin spent time with Skiles in Milwaukee and spent five years with Tom Thibodeau in Chicago as an assistant coach.
After spending 10 years behind two highly-regarded defensive coaches, Griffin will certainly deliver on Hennigan’s call for a defensive-minded coach.
In NBA.com’s 2014-2015 GM survey, Adrian Griffin was voted as the second-best assistant coach in the league, behind only current New Orleans Pelicans head coach Alvin Gentry. Griffin was also in consideration for the job last year. Further proof the Magic really like Griffin’s leadership.
As has been the case in Orlando before with the Dwight Howard saga, if the players do not buy in to a coaches system, all hell can break loose. Adrian Griffin has the reputation as a good coach and played nine seasons in the league. Players will certainly enjoy Griffin leading the way.
As Adrian Wojnarowski of The Vertical reports, Griffin has certainly gained some traction with the Magic not only for the desire for continuity and his popularity among several players.
Although Griffin is a long-time coach, he has never been “the guy”. Griffin has no head coaching experience.
With a team that is looking for a quick turnaround, this is a red flag. The Magic are looking at playoffs or bust next season, it would seem, and the front office is probably looking for a coach that has been there and done that.
This offseason is critical for the Magic. They need to make good moves and acquire the right veterans to fill out this roster.
The question is, will Griffin be able to help sway free agents to Orlando? There is no question Vogel can. Hiring Griffin may cause the team to have to work harder.
The pull for an established coach like Vogel is very strong in that regard.
All in all, Adrian Griffin is a great option if the Magic cannot snag their top target. After all, the Magic improved last season with Skiles and Griffin could be the guy to take the next step.
Next: Orlando Magic begin building a winning culture
Her certainly is not a candidate to look past or disregard as the Magic sort through their candidates.