Orlando Magic CEO Alex Martins is still looking for most adequate General Manager - NBA Update
Orlando Magic CEO Alex Martinss has said that they haven’t reached a decision regarding the new leader of team’s basketball operations. He fired Otis Smith and Coach Stan Van Gundy earlier this week. Now the franchise is fishing
for the most suitable candidate with right set of skills.
Alex and the DeVos family have shortlisted a list of suitable candidates with extensive experience and a history of successful team management. The Magic are yet to disclose names but it is assumed that the list includes the names
of Indiana Pacers and New York Knicks executive Donnie Walsh and former New Orleans Hornets General Manager Jeff Bower.
Speaking to press conference Martinss said that they are looking for a person who has championship experience.
"I think a plus will be if we are able to identify and ultimately hire an individual who has some level of championship experience," Martinss added."I believe if there is one thing that we've lacked in our basketball operation
for the most part, with a couple of exceptions, is someone who's been part of a championship and who has won a championship."
The new hire will have to deal with a lot of entanglements after assuming his role. The prime responsibility will be to find a coach for the team. That will be a complicated matter, as normally the consent of club’s management
and team (combined) is required before taking such decision.
However in Magic, it happens with the consent of their golden boy Dwight Howard, he was the reason behind this chaos. His interpersonal relations with the former coach led to Van’s expulsion, and subsequently Otis decision.
Howard has presented a list of coaches with whom he would like to play and the new leader will have to choose amongst them.
Then there will be another domiciles sword hanging over the new executive. He will have to ensure that Howard stays with them. As there are patterns pointing towards another saga next season. Howard has one year left on his contract,
but he also has the right to extend a requisition for an early trade, even before next season.
While Martins made it clear that he will not allow anyone to repeat the same drama next year. Things will be challenging for new GM.
"I believe one of the first things that a new general manager will need to do will be to touch base with Dwight as to what the long-term vision of the organization is," Martinss said. "And, ultimately, the general manager will
assess whether Dwight wants to be part of that long-term vision or not."
Magic intend to complete the hiring procedure before June 28, the starting date of NBA draft. The selection committee will comprise of Martins and DeVos family members.
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