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NBA: Ranking Mavs opening among head coaching vacancies around the league

By Josh Cornelissen

Photo by Steven Ryan/Getty Images
Photo by Steven Ryan/Getty Images /
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Scott Brooks, Washington Wizards
Scott Brooks, Washington Wizards. Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images /

Ranking the NBA head coaching vacancies: 5. Orlando Magic

There is something to be said for the low expectations of an NBA rebuild. The ledger of wins and losses is not held against you as a head coach (unless you win too much!) but rather you can focus on player development and evaluation.

The problem is when the rebuild is ready to pivot into contention. That might happen too early, which puts expectations on the coach to win with a roster that still needs to grow up. It might also happen through the hiring of a veteran coach, and thus the “rebuild coach” is sent packing with a terrible win-loss record on their resume.

For a veteran coach such as Mike D’Antoni or Terry Stotts, the Orlando Magic are not a good fit as they are entering a full rebuild. For a younger coach, especially one confident in their development chops, this could be a chance to show the NBA world they are a great choice as coach — perhaps with the Magic, or perhaps with another team.

Ranking the NBA head coaching vacancies: 6. Washington Wizards

One of the best things an NBA head coach can hope for in a job is security. The Washington Wizards, under owner Ted Leonsis, have historically been very slow to move on from their employees, be that in the front office or in the head coaching chair.

Former head coach Scott Brooks won just one series with the franchise in five seasons, yet was able to ride out his entire contract. An incoming head coach could expect a similar runway.

The Wizards have an All-NBA guard in Bradley Beal, and an All-Triple-Double guard in Russell Westbrook. The Wizards are likely to keep fighting to make the playoffs as long as Beal is willing to stick around, which means a floor-raising head coach could find their groove; Steve Clifford is a name that comes to mind.

A head coach has little hope of contending, however, which likely caps the long-term upside. Westbrook will no longer be a major part of a contender, and this team lacks the flexibility to build something much different around them.