Orlando Magic: 3 candidates for vacant head coach job

Orlando Magic coaching target No. 1: Sam Cassell

Is Sam Cassell the perfect blend of Hardaway and Stotts, and therefore the right choice? After a career in which he was regarded as one of the smartest players in the NBA, Cassell has been an assistant coach since 2009. That is a long time to be around the league, and he has been on the bench with the Washington Wizards, L.A. Clippers and is currently with the Philadelphia 76ers.

Looking at those teams, Cassell has plenty of experience in seeing both how an organization can struggle on and off the court (Wizards), as well as being part of teams with championship aspirations (Clippers and 76ers). Although not in charge, these are experiences that neither Hardaway, or even Stotts in recent times, can bring to the table.

As somebody who has never been a head coach himself though, there would be a sense of freshness to hiring him. Cassell has helped to coach All-Star level talents like John Wall, Chris Paul and Joel Embiid. He has also seen firsthand how young players can stick or carve out a role for themselves on different kinds of teams.

Cassell is also destined to get a crack at being a head coach before long, he has certainly put the time in, and this would seem a wonderful opportunity for him as well. The Magic would be expected to lose a lot of games over the next couple of years, but as long as the improvement of the young players in tangible, then whoever is in charge is going to be kept on.

As long as they can get the most out of the youngsters, relate to them and help them to grow, their job will be secure until winning becomes the main priority. Cassell is currently helping to coach a 76ers team that is trying to make the finals, which would also be an invaluable experience to bring to the Magic. It makes sense for so many reasons and would be an exciting partnership if it ends up coming to fruition.