Brian Shaw
The last name I want to put on this early list is former Orlando Magic guard and G-League Ignite coach Brian Shaw.
Shaw’s coaching record is a bit checkered.
He was considered the coach-in-waiting for the Los Angeles Lakers as one of Phil Jackson’s lead assistants during the Lakers’ 2009 and 2010 title runs. He took over the Denver Nuggets and struggled to connect with young players in going 56-85 in two years. Then the NBA picked Shaw to be the head coach for their G-League Ignite team — a roster specifically made to develop young players — and led them to the playoffs.
What to make of all this then?
Surely, Shaw has grown as a coach since his first failed stint in the NBA. He reportedly interviewed for the Magic job before the team hired Jacque Vaughn. He did not impress then and his struggles in Denver seemed to confirm passing on him then was the right choice.
But, the continuity argument would make sense here too if the Magic are targeting G-League Ignite players like Jaylen Green or Jonathan Kuminga. Having the same coach that helped either of those players find success in the G-League to continue their development might help them grow.
That probably is not a smart strategy in the end. Pinning a coaching hire to one specific player is not a good idea — just as the Phoenix Suns who seemingly hired Igor Kokoskov to coach his national team charge in Luka Doncic only to pick Deandre Ayton instead (Kokoskov was out in Phoenix after one 19-win season).
Shaw probably needs another few years to prove his development chops and that he is ready for a head coaching job again. But he will be back on the radar soon.
Other G-League Coaches to consider: Jay Hernandez, Coby Karl