Orlando Magic Daily
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Potential candidates for the now-open Orlando Magic general manager job

By Ryan Doyle

May 23, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic chief executive officer Alex Martins talks with media after they introduce Frank Vogel as their new head coach at Amway Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
May 23, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic chief executive officer Alex Martins talks with media after they introduce Frank Vogel as their new head coach at Amway Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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Feb 1, 2017; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Los Angeles Clippers head coach Doc Rivers against the Phoenix Suns at Talking Stick Resort Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 1, 2017; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Los Angeles Clippers head coach Doc Rivers against the Phoenix Suns at Talking Stick Resort Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

Doc Rivers

This is where things get interesting.

Although Rivers is under contract with the LA Clippers, the team is a first-round exit away from imploding. Or so it would seem.

The Clippers seem to have a lot of pressure to perform in this year’s Playoffs or else the team could look to restart. Both Blake Griffin and Chris Paul will be free agents this summer. It seems like a perfect time to make some changes.

If Rivers looks for greener pastures or the Clippers decide to move in a new direction, he could find a reunion waiting in Orlando.

Back in the early 2000s, Rivers spent five seasons as the head coach of the Magic and had a 171-168 record including three playoff appearances.

If the Magic are going to interview Rivers, it is going to be interesting to see if Rivers wants to be back on the sideline. Orlando seems content with having Vogel continue to coach this team — Martins all but said wanting to work with Vogel would be a requirement in the general manager search. If Rivers wants to have the same role he has had in Los Angeles, there may be a major shakeup in Central Florida.

Orlando Magic
Orlando Magic /

Orlando Magic

From a coaching standpoint, Rivers has had plenty of success. His teams are in the playoffs every year and he has an NBA Championship ring to boot.

The majority of the criticism for Rivers is his front office decisions. As the Clippers general manager, many feel his moves have hurt the team. With three bona fide stars in Blake Griffin, DeAndre Jordan and Chris Paul, the Clippers struggle to win games in the playoffs every year. They have never reached the conference finals and it feels like they are in a do-or-die moment this postseason.

Of course, if the Magic bring in Rivers he is going to demand control of the front office too. Leaving the Magic to decide whether or not that is in their best interest.

The Magic, for now, are determining what model for the front office they want to use. But they do not seem to believe in having a person hold both the coach and general manager titles.