Why Penny Hardaway might not be the answer for the Orlando Magic.
With parting ways from Steve Clifford after the conclusion of this year’s regular season, the Orlando Magic is on the market for a new head coach. The Magic have conducted interviews with a few different candidates already including some of the members from coach Clifford’s staff like Tyrone Corbin, Pat Delaney, and Steve Hetzel.
With a ton of coaches on the market, whether it be that they were current coaches who were recently let go, or new candidates looking to get a shot, I’m sure the Magic will continue to conduct interviews.
Another new unexpected candidate arose in the headlines recently. Former Magic all-time great, Anfernee “Penny” Hardaway emerged as a strong candidate to be the newest head coach of the Orlando Magic.
Hardaway, played 14 NBA seasons from 1993-07, making four All-Star teams and two All-NBA first teams. He starred for the Magic from 1993-99, establishing himself as one of the best players in franchise history.
As a college coach at his alma mater, the University of Memphis, Hardaway has had some solid success as they most recently went 20-8 during a really whacky season in which they won the NIT tournament. He’s been great for recruiting to Memphis as he is was an iconic player in his day, before the injuries.
He’s also had people vouge for his player development which is important at any level, but especially the NBA, and especially for a team which a bunch of unproven players, like the Magic.
If the Magic hires Hardaway, what does it mean for the franchise moving forward? In this piece, I’ll share my thoughts on why this isn’t going to move the needle.