The Orlando Magic could have a franchise legend on their bench starting next season. As reported by Shams Charania of The Athletic, the Florida organization recently interviewed Penny Hardaway and he has become one of the favorites to take over the position of head coach.
The relationship of the now coach of the University of Memphis with the Magic is well known. Chosen No. 3 in the 1993 draft, Hardaway spent six years in the franchise to be a four-time All-Star and twice to be selected for the season’s top team. His best moment at the collective level came in 1995, when he reached the Finals with Shaquille O’Neal to end up losing 4-0 against the Houston Rockets.
As for his career as a manager, he has been managing the Memphis Tigers for three seasons for an aggregate record of 63-32. In the 2020-21 season, the team’s record was 20-8 and led to victory at the NIT championship against Mississippi State 77-64. Although he recently signed a five-year extension until the 2025-26 course, his possible exit to make the jump to the NBA is on the table.
Multiple candidates
Penny Hardaway has options, but the Magic are going to consider many other hopefuls. As Josh Robbins explains of The Athletic, the Florida organization has also requested permission to interview Willie Green, assistant to the Phoenix Suns, and Charles Lee, assistant to the Milwaukee Bucks. Also on the shortlist are Wes Unseld Jr, Denver Nuggets assistant coach, and those who were Steve Clifford’s assistants: Tyrone Corbin, Pat Delany and Steve Hetzel. Becky Hammon has also met with the Magic before.
(Photograph by Michael Reaves / Getty Images)
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