Clippers assistant Kenny Atkinson, Nets assistant Ime Udoka and Bucks assistant Darvin Ham are among the names to watch in the Magic’s search for a new coach, per Michael Scotto and Yossi Gozlan on a HoopsHype podcast.
The Magic parted ways with Steve Clifford last week and are undergoing the process of a rebuild, but so far have kept their coaching search fairly quiet.
Atkinson coached the Nets from 2016-20, compiling a 118-190 record and leading them to the playoffs in 2019. He was fired just before the season was paused because of the coronavirus pandemic in March 2020. Along with the Clippers, he has been an assistant with the Knicks ad Hawks.
Meanwhile, both Udoka and Ham have been candidates for head-coaching openings during the previous several offseasons, especially the previous one. Both are expected to interview for the Celtics vacancy, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.
As for Clifford, Josh Robbins of The Athletic reported the former Magic and Hornets coach may be drawing interest from the Pacers.
“Obviously, we’ve repositioned our team,” Magic president Jeff Weltman said. “And so, there has to be alignment. There has to be alignment in everything you do in this league. And if there’s not alignment, it’ll undermine everything.”
Looking for the latest NBA Insider News & Rumors?
Be sure to follow Hoops Wire on TWITTER and FACEBOOK for breaking NBA News and Rumors for all 32 teams!
