Fansided

Power ranking the NBA coaching vacancies

By Rucker Haringey

BOSTON, MA - APRIL 28: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks drives against Semi Ojeleye #37 of the Boston Celtics during the first quarter of Game Seven in Round One of the 2018 NBA Playoffs at TD Garden on April 28, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - APRIL 28: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks drives against Semi Ojeleye #37 of the Boston Celtics during the first quarter of Game Seven in Round One of the 2018 NBA Playoffs at TD Garden on April 28, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /
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ORLANDO, FL – MARCH 24: Aaron Gordon #00 of the Orlando Magic talks to the media after the game against the Phoenix Suns on March 24, 2018 at Amway Center in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images)
ORLANDO, FL – MARCH 24: Aaron Gordon #00 of the Orlando Magic talks to the media after the game against the Phoenix Suns on March 24, 2018 at Amway Center in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images) /

4. Orlando Magic

The Magic job doesn’t figure to be a quick winner for their next coach, but it offers significantly more hope than the Charlotte opening. In particular, Orlando has two legitimate young building blocks that could power the Magic frontcourt for years to come.

Some scouts aren’t convinced by Aaron Gordon’s ability to become a star, but he’s already a solid rotation player. The right coach could help him become more than that. He’ll be an expensive piece of the roster once his rookie contract expires, but he’s a high-ceiling talent that’s worth gambling on.

Jonathan Isaac is further away from being a useful NBA player but scouts like his long-term potential as well. The idea of partnering him with Gordon in a small-ball frontcourt for the next five or six years is an attractive start for the Magic.

The team’s front office also seems to be comfortable with the idea of a long rebuild. They dealt Elfrid Payton to the Suns in February which firmly pressed the reset button on Orlando’s backcourt. Evan Fournier will give his new coach a competent creator, but he’s not ever going to develop into a real star. The team will certainly hope to add another top-end young talent in this year’s draft as well.

The last edge Orlando gets in this debate is the city’s ability to attract free agents. Once the team opens up cap space is another season or two, it could become a major player for any free agent they want to chase. The path towards contention isn’t short for the Magic, but it is visible.

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