Orlando Magic: 5 candidates to replace Frank Vogel as head coach
The Orlando Magic are moving on from Frank Vogel as head coach. Who are some potential candidates that could replace him?
The Orlando Magic are sitting out another NBA postseason in their sixth consecutive trip to the draft lottery. They finished the 2017-18 season with a 25-57 record, second-worst in the Eastern Conference. That record will give them more ping pong balls in the draft lottery.
However, Orlando endured its second straight sub-30-win campaign and fifth in six seasons. Surely something has to change to move the franchise forward. On Thursday, team president Jeff Weltman and general manager John Hammond relieved Frank Vogel of his head coaching duties.
Vogel lasted only two seasons in Orlando, finishing with a 54-110 cumulative record. Then-GM Rob Hennigan hired him in May 2016 in a last-ditch attempt to make the team competitive. Along with Vogel, the Magic acquired Serge Ibaka from the Oklahoma City Thunder and paid big money for Bismack Biyombo and Jeff Green.
Unfortunately, the plans were a bust. The Magic were 21-37 at the 2017 All-Star break. As a result, Hennigan dealt Ibaka to the Toronto Raptors ahead of the trade deadline. Meanwhile, Jeff Green bolted for the Cleveland Cavaliers in free agency and Orlando fired Hennigan that April. John Hammond replaced him a month later.
Basketball-Reference indicates that the Magic averaged 104.4 points per 100 possessions during Vogel’s tenure, fewest in the NBA over that span. Orlando’s defense allowed 110.3 points per 100 possessions, 22nd-most in the league over the past two seasons.
The Orlando Magic vacancy could be a desirable job. The city has a nice climate and the roster has plenty of young players with upside. The right coach could help Aaron Gordon, Jonathan Isaac and their lottery pick in the upcoming draft step up to another level of production.
There are a large number of qualified candidates that could fill the role. However, this article will narrow things down to five potential candidates. According to Steve Kyler of Basketball Insiders, the Magic are seeking a coach proficient in player development. Which five names could potentially patrol the sidelines next in Orlando?