Southeast Roundup: Sweeney Takes Orlando Helm; Wizards Weigh Top Pick; Jakucionis Tunes Out Trade Buzz
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ORLANDO — Newly hired Magic head coach Sean Sweeney held his first press conference on Thursday, nearly three weeks after accepting the job on June 1. The delay stemmed from his duties as the Spurs’ associate head coach during the NBA Finals.
“Not only was he able to compartmentalize his work with the Spurs and present well to us, but he really knocked our socks off,” president of basketball operations Jeff Weltman said. “In Sean Sweeney, we have somebody who, in our minds, has the potential to be one of the elite coaches in this league.” Weltman called the organization’s coaching search “rigorous and very targeted.”
Sweeney, who turned 42 earlier this month, was connected to several openings this spring but said Orlando’s thorough interview process convinced him to take the post. “Some interviews that I’ve had in the past, I did not get that same level of detail,” he noted. “Given how I am and how I want to coach, that stood out.”
The new coach outlined four core values he wants to instill: character, competition, connection and love of the game. “It’s been 21 years of preparation that’s brought me here, and I’m ready for it,” he said.
Wizards zero in on No. 1 pick
Washington’s front office is weighing two candidates for the top selection: AJ Dybantsa and Darryn Peterson. In a joint discussion for The Athletic, reporters Josh Robbins and draft analyst Sam Vecenie broke down each prospect’s potential. Vecenie said he would choose Dybantsa, citing the forward’s ability to attack the rim—an element the Wizards currently lack. He also predicted Washington will ultimately draft the BYU forward.
Jakucionis unfazed by trade speculation
Heat guard Kasparas Jakucionis, whose name has surfaced in rumored packages for Milwaukee star Giannis Antetokounmpo, said he is blocking out the noise. “I really don’t pay too much attention to that because I can’t really control it,” the 2025 first-round pick told the Miami Herald. The Lithuanian plans to join his national team soon and is focusing on personal improvement “on the court, off the court.”
Source: HoopsRumors
