Southeast Roundup: Van Gundy Meets With Magic, Peterson’s Draft Fit, Hawks’ Playoff Perspective
southeast-roundup-van-gundy-magic-peterson-wizards-hawks
Jeff Van Gundy sits down with Orlando
Los Angeles Clippers assistant coach Jeff Van Gundy has formally interviewed for the Orlando Magic’s head-coaching vacancy, league sources told insider Marc Stein. Van Gundy is the third known candidate to meet or be scheduled to meet with the club, joining former Bulls coach Billy Donovan and Spurs associate head coach Sean Sweeney.
Orlando’s search has remained quiet, suggesting either an early stage or a tightly held process. One name no longer in the mix is former Lakers coach Darvin Ham; a weekend report stated he will stay with the Milwaukee Bucks as an assistant under newly hired head coach Taylor Jenkins.
Cap crunch looms for Orlando
Beyond hiring a coach, the Magic face a complicated summer financially, according to Yossi Gozlan of The Third Apron. Orlando could seek luxury-tax relief by waiving or trading Jonathan Isaac, whose 2026-27 salary is only partially guaranteed, or by moving other contracts. The front office also must weigh the cost of a possible rookie-scale extension for guard Anthony Black.
Peterson and the Wizards’ backcourt puzzle
Kansas guard Darryn Peterson, considered a contender for the No. 1 overall pick alongside AJ Dybantsa, has drawn interest in Washington. Chase Hughes of Monumental Sports Network examined whether Peterson profiles better as a point guard or shooting guard and noted the distinction may be irrelevant given the Wizards’ roster flexibility.
Hawks’ playoff defeat in new light
The Atlanta Hawks were outscored by an average of 32 points in the final three games of their first-round series against New York, a setback that initially appeared devastating. Lauren L. Williams of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution points out the Knicks are 7-0 since that matchup, and their only two postseason losses to date came against Atlanta. While roster upgrades remain on Atlanta’s agenda, the series may not be as damning as first believed.
Source: Hoops Rumors
