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Orlando Magic Rumors: Orlando Magic to interview Ime Udoka

By Philip Rossman-Reich

OAKLAND, CA - APRIL 14: Assistant Coach Ime Udoka of the San Antonio Spurs coaches during the game against the Golden State Warriors in Game One of Round One during the 2018 NBA Playoffs on April 14, 2018 at ORACLE Arena in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA - APRIL 14: Assistant Coach Ime Udoka of the San Antonio Spurs coaches during the game against the Golden State Warriors in Game One of Round One during the 2018 NBA Playoffs on April 14, 2018 at ORACLE Arena in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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The Orlando Magic are set to interview San Antonio Spurs assistant coach Ime Udoka. It is a clear sign their coaching search is ramping up.

The Orlando Magic are scheduled to interview San Antonio Spurs assistant coach Ime Udoka later this week, according to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN. The latest sign the Magic have ramped up their coaching search and have begun winnowing down candidates.

The team reportedly received permission to speak with Portland Trail Blazers assistant coach David Vanterpool recently. Previous rumors suggested the Magic also sought to interview Raptors 905 head coach Jerry Stackhouse.

That is all to say, there is clearly progress made in the coaching search and the Magic are getting down to interviewing candidates now. That could mean a coaching hire is closer than expected. And it would certainly seem to make sense to have that hire set in stone before the team gets deep into draft preparations.

Then again, president of basketball operations Jeff Weltman has repeatedly said his goal is to do the hire right and not fast. So the Magic will go through their process and make sure they get the best candidate.

That does not mean the team will not have to move quickly. As Wojnarowski notes, Udoka also interviewed with the Charlotte Hornets. And he is reporting the New York Knicks are wrapping up their interviews for their vacant coaching position.

Udoka is one of the hotter names on the market.

He has been an assistant coach with the Spurs for the last six years ago. He has become a trusted advisor to coach Gregg Popovich. Observers have praised Udoka for his calm demeanor and relationship with his players.

He was a journeyman throughout his NBA career, playing for five teams in seven seasons. Three of those came with the Spurs. While he hardly produced much statistically, he seemed to be a guy several teams wanted around.

Players respected him and his work ethic as a player. That has carried over as a coach. But he has no head coaching experience.

And worried Magic fans will certainly note Jacque Vaughn came from the Spurs’ family tree and completely flamed out as the head coach with the Magic. Udoka has a bit more experience on the bench as an assistant. But obviously, it is different when you are in the lead chair.

And it especially will be different coaching the Magic opposed to the Spurs. Orlando needs someone who can establish the team’s culture from the ground up. That is what Weltman is looking for most likely in a coaching search.

Next: Orlando Magic Rumors: Coaching hire belongs wholly to Jeff Weltman

Another name has popped up in the media. And it is clear the Magic are starting to get very serious about their search.