Jamahl Mosley has agreed to become the new coach of the Orlando Magic, the team announced Sunday. The veteran assistant will finally get his chance to lead a club in the NBA.
Mosley replaces Steve Clifford, who mutually agreed to leave Orlando after three seasons and a pair of playoff appearances.
He will be the 14th manager in Magic history – the 15th if you include Billy Donovan, who was hired by the Magic but never led a game when deciding to resume his job with the University of Florida.
Mosley, 42, has spent the past 15 years as an assistant in Denver, Cleveland and Dallas. The last seven seasons were with the Mavericks and he was mentioned as a candidate when opening places in recent times.
“Congratulations,” Mavericks star Luka Doncic tweeted.
Mosley will take on a rebuilding project in Orland. The Magic went 21-51 this season, shedding Nikola Vucevic, Aaron Gordon and Evan Fournier via trades during the season. They have two of the top eight picks in the draft.
Mosley’s hiring leaves the NBA with 11 black coaches out of the 28 seats covered right now. Washington and New Orleans are still looking for a technician.
The Magic said Mosley will be formally introduced Monday.
–
