The Orlando Magic have had a disappointing season. After acquiring Serge Ibaka via trade, signing block-machine Bismack Biyombo to a massive contract, and getting the playoff-experienced Frank Vogel as head coach, expectations were wavering. The Magic could’ve been anywhere between bottom-three seed playoff team to lottery-bound disaster…and ended up being the latter. With continued mediocrity and a fifth consecutive losing season, the Magic are looking to make changes. The team will reportedly let go of GM Rob Hennigan once the season concludes, according to ESPN’s Marc Stein.
Vogel appears to be avoiding the blame for the bad season in the Magic Kingdom. His playoff pedigree with the Indiana Pacers has persuaded ownership to give him more time with the constructed roster. Orlando could do what many other franchises have done and seek out the up and coming young executive to take over, but the Magic have some options. Pistons Director of Strategic Planning and former Magic player Pat Garrity has emerged as a possible candidate to take over for Hennigan, according to Stein. The fit seems natural, with Garrity inheriting Vogel and the two working together to reshape a puzzling roster.
On the conspiracy theory side of things, another possibility is a potential return of Doc Rivers to Orlando. Rivers began his coaching career with the Magic in 1999 and spent five seasons in Orlando before leaving for the Boston Celtics. He may have some interest in returning to his coaching roots if things do go south with the Clippers. Los Angeles has slumped considerably of late and, if a deep playoff run cannot be achieved, big changes may be coming.
Of course, Rivers coming to Orlando depends heavily on the situation in Los Angeles. The Garrity option, or a similar one, seems much more likely. What does appear certain is that Rob Hennigan is going to be out of a job once Orlando’s season comes to a merciful end.
