The Orlando Magic have just ended the latest of their current string of disappointing seasons, and among those on top of their agenda in the offseason is finding a new bench boss. According to Chris Haynes of ESPN, the Magic have set the gears in motion to search for Frank Vogel’s successor, as they have scheduled an interview with Portland Trail Blazers assistant coach David Vanterpool.
Orlando has been granted permission to interview Portland assistant David Vanterpool for its vacant head coach position, league sources tell ESPN.
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) April 28, 2018
The Magic, who have not made the playoffs since 2o12, handed Vogel’s walking papers earlier this month after Orlando finished the 2017-18 season with a 25-57 record, a clear regression from the 29-53 slate they had a year prior.
As for David Vanterpool, he is a former pro who played in just 22 games, all with the Washington Wizards during the 2000-01 campaign. He also played in China, Europe, and in the Continental Basketball Association.
Vanterpool also kicked off his coaching career abroad for the CSKA Moscow, serving as an assistant coach there from 2007 to 2012. In 2012, he was hired by the Blazers to be part of their coaching staff.
The Magic are about to enter a crucial 2018-19 season, which is the last year of some of their key players’ current deals. Nikola Vucevic, Terrence Ross, and D.J. Augustin are all bound for free agency in 2019.
Apart from that, they also have a major decision to make this offseason as Aaron Gordon and Mario Hezonja are both headed to free agency in the summer.
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