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Orlando Magic’s 2021 offseason: 3 bold predictions

By Andres Rosero

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Memphis Tigers head coach Anfernee Hardaway encourages the team in the first half of a men’s NCAA basketball game against the Cincinnati Bearcats, Sunday, Feb. 28, 2021, at Fifth Third Arena in Cincinnati.Memphis Tigers At Cincinnati Bearcats Feb 28
Memphis Tigers head coach Anfernee Hardaway encourages the team in the first half of a men’s NCAA basketball game against the Cincinnati Bearcats, Sunday, Feb. 28, 2021, at Fifth Third Arena in Cincinnati.Memphis Tigers At Cincinnati Bearcats Feb 28 /

Orlando Magic’s coaching search

Orlando Magic go outside the box with coaching hire with a first-time coach

Youth and athleticism headline the Orlando Magic roster at all five positions.

After Steve Clifford’s departure due to what could best be described as a misalignment in priorities, Jeff Weltman now has a special opportunity to find a coach who can match his personal vision for the Magic.

A vision that will almost certainly be centered on the youth.

While credit must be given to Clifford for his efforts in keeping the Magic together in a trying year for all involved, it is clear a new coach should be installed to guide the Magic in a new direction in the same way the roster is being overhauled.

Orlando Magic
Orlando Magic /

Orlando Magic

The Memphis Grizzlies and Charlotte Hornets show us a young coach paired with a young roster has the potential of igniting a team and establishing an exciting style of basketball.

The Magic’s next coach should embrace player development and enact a plan to bring out the strengths of the players. With the roster the Magic currently have,  management must place an emphasis on establishing a foundation of skill development within a system akin to the culture the Miami Heat and the San Antonio Spurs have established.

Toronto Raptors coach Nick Nurse comes to mind as a coach who used his experiences coaching and scouting in lower levels of basketball as a foundation to develop players based on their perceived strengths. While there is only one Nurse, the idea of finding a coach who can maximize the talents of a young roster based on experiences with developmental leagues is tantalizing.

College coaches Anferneee Hardaway and Juwan Howard would immediately step in and command the players’ respect in the locker room and would have the understanding of pace and space basketball with young players to incorporate a scheme suitable for the roster that Weltman is crafting.

One of the worst-kept secrets in the NBA coaching circles right now is that the Magic have pined for Hardaway amongst other candidates. Hardaway right now does not seem interested in leaving Memphis. Howard too might be slow to leave his alma mater.

But this infatuation should serve as a primer for the direction the Magic will take: A young, exciting and innovative coach.