Magic Plan Interview With Spurs’ Sean Sweeney; Gansey, Nelson Emerge in Sixers Front-Office Race
SLUG: magic-interview-sweeney-sixers-gansey-nelson
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The Orlando Magic are expected to meet with San Antonio Spurs associate head coach Sean Sweeney in San Antonio this week as they continue their search for a new head coach, according to league sources cited by reporters Jake Fischer and Marc Stein.
Sweeney, now in his first season on Gregg Popovich’s staff, is widely credited for designing the Spurs’ aggressive defensive system that has helped fuel this year’s postseason run. Orlando’s roster has been built around defense under former coach Jamahl Mosley, who was dismissed on May 4, making Sweeney an attractive candidate to keep that identity intact.
To date, the Magic have formally interviewed just two other coaches: former Bulls head coach Billy Donovan and Clippers assistant Jeff Van Gundy. Sweeney is also reportedly on the radar in Chicago and Dallas.
Sixers Narrow Front-Office Search
The Philadelphia 76ers recently hosted interviews with Cleveland Cavaliers general manager Mike Gansey and Phoenix Mercury GM Nick U’Ren for their head of basketball operations position. Sources tell Fischer and Stein that Gansey and current Sixers assistant GM Jameer Nelson are considered the leading contenders.
Hawks, Cavaliers, Harden Updates
An extension for Atlanta Hawks head coach Quin Snyder is viewed as a formality following the club’s playoff exit. Although rumors during the regular season suggested Snyder might replace Kenny Atkinson in Cleveland, sources maintain that Atkinson is expected to remain with the Cavaliers for a third year.
Meanwhile, Cleveland is said to be optimistic about re-signing James Harden to a multiyear contract that would come in below the $39.4 million he earned this season. Early projections fall around $30 million annually, a figure that could help the Cavaliers avoid the league’s second tax apron.
Bulls Closing In on Coaching Decision
The Chicago Bulls are further along than the Dallas Mavericks in their own coaching search but continue to speak with multiple candidates. Known interviewees include Micah Nori (Timberwolves), Chris Quinn (Heat), Johnnie Bryant (Cavaliers), Dave Bliss (Thunder) and former Pelicans interim coach James Borrego. Nori is also a finalist in Portland, where the Trail Blazers are considering him along with Van Gundy, Celtics assistant Tyler Lashbrook, Jazz assistant Mike Williams and acting head coach Tiago Splitter.
Source: Hoops Rumors
