Orlando Magic almost landed Phil Jackson in a front office role – NBA Update
The Orlando Magic almost landed one of the most decorated coaches in NBA history, if reports are to be believed. It has now come in the open that Phil Jackson was considering the Orlando Magic offer to work in some capacity in the front office. Sam Vincent,
who has played with Jackson and for the Magic, took the idea to Magic CEO Alex Martins on Wednesday.
However, after considering the option for some time, Vincent said that he left it for another opportunity, hinting that Jackson might be headed back to the NBA is some capacity.
"It drew some interest from Phil. But in the end, Phil decided to go with another opportunity” said Vincent.
Vincent added that Jackson did not want to return to the NBA as a head coach, so the idea pitched to him and Martins was that Jackson could come to Orlando as a President of Basketball Operations/ General Manager and look over and mentor a new coach, much
like Pat Riley is doing with Erik Spoelstra in Miami. Vincent further said that Jackson was intrigued enough by the idea that he and an intermediary were about to fly down to Montana to meet with Jackson and discuss the move.
Magic CEO Alex Martins refused to comment on the situation. In an email, he said:
“Not because of this specific situation, but because I have been consistent during the search that I won't comment on specific candidates. I stand by my statement that we will put a premium on searching for Championship experience in the positions within
in our search."
The intermediary, says Vincent, is a former All Star Player and Hall of Famer and was to become the new head coach of the Magic. Though this would have been his first coaching assignment, the presence of Jackson would have been guidance for him and the plan
was to surround him with former assistant coaches of Jackson from the Los Angeles Lakers. Jackson later informed Vincent that he was no longer interested in such a scenario.
The landing of Jackson in Orlando would have sent waves across the NBA. It might also have convinced Magic All Star centre Dwight Howard to sign an extended long term contract with them. Howard has one year left on his contract and has not extended it beyond
next season. He has also said that he wants to be traded.
However, if Phil Jackson would have joined the Magic in some capacity, Howard would have been more than happy to resign. Jackson was the head coach of the Chicago Bulls in the 90’s when they captured 6 championships. He then went to Los Angeles where he
prepared the Los Angeles Lakers team that won three NBA championships in the early 2000’s. He is said to be the greatest coach of all time.
Jackson’s joining might also have allowed the Magic to sign free agents such as Steve Nash in the offseason, making them championship contenders instantly.
“In my capacity, I was trying to put together something that would be in the best interest of the Magic," said Vincent, who resides in Orlando and considers it his home. He played for the Magic from 1989 to 1992.
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