As the Orlando Magic begin their general manager search, an initial list has emerged as the NBA world begins talking about the only open GM job.
The Orlando Magic are less than a week removed from their decision officially to fire general manager Rob Hennigan, beginning a new era in the team’s history. The team will begin its search for a new general manager in earnest, making a deliberative process to find the best candidate.
Everyone recognizes the precarious situation the Magic are in. The reason Magic CEO Alex Martins said the team made the move because they had not made progress from when they first hired Hennigan five years ago. The team is looking to take some major steps forward and quickly to make up for the seemingly lost time.
The hiring process is still in its early stages. The team is not likely to hire a new general anytime soon. The Magic are going to work their way through all the potential candidates and make the best decision for them.
At this point, they are still probably sorting out through the potential candidates and figuring out internally who they want to interview.
The rumor mill is always churning, though. And with many front office executives and scouts in one place for the Portsmouth Invitational, a pre-draft tournament exclusively for college seniors, the talk is beginning to pick up for the only open general manager job in the league.
Steve Kyler of Basketball Insiders reported the Magic will indeed consider former player Pat Garrity and former video coordinator Travis Schlenk. But much of the focus may be after some executives with some familiarity with coach Frank Vogel. Some new names have emerged from the initial list everyone seemed to make once the season ended.
Kyler reports the Magic may consider former Indiana Pacers executive David Morway and could even make a bid to steal away Pacers general manager Kevin Pritchard.
"There has been talk of something of a Frank Vogel reunion with former Pacer executive David Morway being linked to the Magic. Morway was last with the Milwaukee Bucks before exploring the Sacramento Kings front office. It’s believed Morway was well on his way to being the Kings president before the team shifted course and went with Vlade Divac. Morway is a long-time veteran executive, which suits the Magic’s desire for a top-down leader.Current Pacers GM Kevin Pritchard was also mentioned by league sources in much the same way as Morway. Pritchard is well-thought of in Indiana and does have a history with Vogel. The Magic remain committed to Vogel as their head coach and pairing new leadership to him wouldn’t be the worst decision for a team that’s had a real disconnect between the front office and the coaching staff."
It is still very very early in the process. And the Magic appear to be putting together a dream list at the moment.
Kyler noted there were some discussions and rumors the Magic could go after Golden State Warriors general manager Bob Myers or Cleveland Cavaliers general manager David Griffin. Both are free agents this summer. But both are expected to re-up with their current teams.
The addition of Pritchard and Morway to the list is certainly intriguing. Both helped build those Pacers teams with Vogel. And the Magic said they are looking for someone who can work with Vogel.
Morway last worked for the Milwaukee Bucks. He was considered for the President of Basketball Operations job with the Sacramento Kings before it went to Vlade Divac. Pritchard has been a highly successful front office executive. But the Pacers have had some front office turmoil starting with the surprising dismissal of Vogel last year.
Other names Kyler mentioned were Toronto Raptors general manager Jeff Weltman and Houston Rockets executive Gersson Rosas.
Kyler also reported things appeared to have cooled off with talk of Doc Rivers jumping off the LA Clippers and joining the Magic as President of Basketball Operations or in some other capacity. Rivers publicly recommitted to finishing his contract with the Clippers. It does appear this scenario has quieted down.
The list at this point is very tentative. Things can and will change very quickly as the Magic sort their list down further and further. Orlando is waiting for some teams to get eliminated from the Playoffs before they begin interviewing candidates to fill this job.
The hope it appears is for the Magic to make some progress before the NBA Draft Combine on May 9.
Next: What Went Wrong: Frank Vogel
The rumor mill has begun to churn.