New Magic Coach Jamahl Mosley Starting With Achievable Goals

Jamahl Mosley didn’t make any grand proclamations when introduced Monday as the new coach of the Magic.

“We just have to work on getting better,” Mosley told reporters. “I think we just have to continue to grow and build and keep these guys at a level that they just want to keep coming in every single day to get better and better and better. I think that’s the important part of what this journey is going to look like.”

Mosley comes from the Mavericks, where he was an assistant under Rick Carlisle since 2014. Before that, he was an assistant with the Cavaliers (2010-14) and Nuggets (2007-10). He spent two years in a player development role with the Nuggets from 2005-07.

So this is his first crack at being the man in charge, and he will be doing it with a Magic team that is undergoing a bit of a rebuild. But also a team with plenty of intriguing pieces — from center Wendell Carter Jr. to forward Jonathan Isaac to guards Markelle Fultz, Cole Anthony and R.J. Hampton.

While this is hardly a splashy hire, Mosley has been a favorite of the Mavericks players, including star Luka Doncic, and has a reputation as someone who knows how to develop talent. His deal with the Magic is for four years, according to Adrian Wojarowski of ESPN.

Magic president of basketball operations Jeff Weltman indicated Mosley is the right man to bring it all together.

”Jamahl has a unique set of abilities,” Weltman said. ”His passion, his experience, his ability to connect. He has an amazing interpersonal skill set with anyone and it stems from his compassion as a person.”

That said, it could take a little time. The Magic finished 21-51, missing the playoffs and mutually parting ways with former coach Steve Clifford after the season. On the bright side, they own the Nos. 5 and 8 overall picks, and should be able to add some immediate help.

It seems they already believe they took a big step in the help department, and that starts with Mosley.