5 potential replacements for Steve Clifford as Magic head coach

1. Terry Stotts

The New York Times‘ Marc Stein has already reported that the Magic have an interest in former Blazers head coach Terry Stotts. The question is, will he reciprocate that interest?

Stotts wouldn’t be the sexiest choice given how his last few years in Portland have gone, but he’s a very good, proven coach with ample playoff experience, and much like the Blazers needed a change of pace, perhaps Stotts would thrive with a change of scenery as well. People were too quick to assign Portland’s defensive woes to him, when in reality, the team’s biggest flaws were always more about their personnel and poor roster construction.

Boasting a career .515 win percentage, Stotts led the Blazers to the playoffs eight straight times, including a Western Conference Finals appearance in 2019. The Celtics are also in the running here, which provides some worrisome competition to a team like Orlando. Unless they drastically overpay, Stotts would be crazy to pick the Magic over Boston if both teams are express interest.

However, if the Celtics go in another direction, and if the Indiana Pacers stick with Nate Bjorkgren for another year instead of pursuing Stotts, the Magic would be wise to jump on Portland’s recently released coach with an offer as soon as possible. He knows what it takes to reach the playoffs, and although he doesn’t have the greatest track record once he actually gets there, the Magic would be happy with putting their younger guys on the path to success. Orlando may not have a superstar of Dame’s caliber, but Stotts is a competent coach with experience who’d at least represent a good, stable start for their turnaround.