Nothing concrete here. Just a mention. http://www.orlandosentinel.com/spor...h18111803nov18,1,7536710.story?coll=orl-magic By Tim Povtak | Sentinel Staff Writer Posted November 18, 2003 Don't expect a big splash by the Orlando Magic right now to replace former coach Doc Rivers, who was fired early Tuesday. The Magic have named assistant coach Johnny Davis to take over for the rest of the season. It won't be the first head coaching job for Davis, who coached the Philadelphia 76ers in 1996-97 and finished 22-60. Davis has worked closely with Rivers in his four-plus years as head coach. It is uncertain what the Magic's plans are after this season. There are experienced, big-name coaches who happily would take the job this summer, but fewer who would jump at it in midseason. Mike Fratello, Isiah Thomas, George Karl, Rudy Tomjanovich and Scott Skiles are awaiting their next NBA head coaching jobs, but the Magic will not look that far right now. Other assistants on Rivers' staff were Dave Wohl, Mark Hughes and Paul Pressey, whom Rivers recommended for the head-coaching position this summer with the Milwaukee Bucks. Terry Porter got that job instead. "It would be very difficult for a new head coach to put together a staff he wants at this point,'' said one NBA source, who has been a coach and front-office executive in the league. "The Magic probably will have to wait until this summer to get the guy they want long range.'' From a public-relations standpoint, the most obvious choice to follow Rivers would be Skiles, who remains one of the most popular players in team history because of the all-out, floor-burn style in which he played during the early, expansion years. Skiles, who compiled a 116-79 record as head coach of the Phoenix Suns for parts of three seasons, might be the only coach the Magic could hire who would receive a standing ovation when introduced the first time at TD Waterhouse Centre. Tomjanovich won two NBA titles with the Houston Rockets. Karl has been to the NBA Finals once (with Seattle) and twice to the conference finals with Seattle and Milwaukee. Thomas won two championships as a player with the Detroit Pistons, but he struggled as a head coach with the Indiana Pacers. By waiting until after the season to pick a long-term head coach, the Magic would be able to expand their list of coaching candidates. No coach with experience would come without a multiyear deal. And most would insist upon bringing their own assistants, which is difficult at midseason. Most midseason coaching changes in the NBA usually go to an interim coach who already was an assistant there. The recent exception was veteran Hubie Brown in Memphis, who came out of retirement to replace Sidney Lowe after he lost his first eight games last season.
I don't think Rudy's current health condition will allow him to coach, especially the Magic, anyone who take the job gonna have a hell lot of headaches.
Don't believe the hype. Rudy's got a clean bill of health for now, just like Don Nelson. He was ready for another year with the Rockets when he got pushed out the window by loyal Leslie. Anything he said to the contrary was just good PR from a lifelong company man. There are a few teams I'd rather see him helm than the Magic, but anything that gets him back on a bench where he belongs is good news. And wherever he winds up (assuming it's not Utah) will instantly become my second favorite team.
I don't see the Orlando job as one that would be desirable to Rudy. Didn't he just get through trying to get coach a band of young/immature players with mediocre results?? I see Rudy taking over a veteran/playoff team like Portland, New Orleans or New York (non playoff). Maybe even NJ if Scott gets the boot (which he probably will).
From what I was told, Rudy wants to coach in a warm climate. I wouldn't outrule Orlando. I still think Portland is a serious contender with Paterson as the president. However, his daughter does live here in New Jersey/New York area so if an opening with the Nets were to happen or even the Knicks, don't be surprised as that as an option as well. Rudy will be back coaching again. Just a matter of time.
Though i wanted Rudy T out of Houston i still want 2 see him with a nice team where he can become a winning coach again, i mean come on this guy took us to the Promise Land! I cant ever forget that and for that reason and many others i would like 2 C Rudy on a winning team like the Blazers or NJ like som1 allready talked about.
He'd get one of the best players in the game in McGrady. And he seems to handle controversy and drama very well. He would probably quiet things down a lot.
OMG..rudy a knick?! that almost as weird as jvg as a rocket i guess if he gets the gig, hakeem will end up an asst coach i cant imagine rudy as anything other than a rocket..rudy say it aint so..
Thanks for the read, RocketsPimp. Rudy's gonna get mentioned more and more often as the season goes on and there are obvious vacancies or teams that'll have one as soon as it can be done and look halfway decent. I can't see him going to another young team either. You have to think he'd go to one of the troubled veteran teams and do a damned fine job. I sure miss seeing him waving his arms around and diggin' every minute of it.
I love Rudy as much as anyone, but please oh please don't let him get his hands on coaching New Jersey, their Princeton type offense and running game is superb, do not let Rudy touch that. damn the Nets must be regretting not finding some way, anyway to keep Eddie Jordan around.
I don't want to see Rudy T anywhere but Houston. He should either stay in a nice office at Toyota Center or coach the Comets...
Florida article lists repacement possibilities, but no Rudy: http://www.floridatoday.com/!NEWSROOM/sportstoryS1119SNINESS.htm The replacements By Jeff D'Alessio FLORIDA TODAY If Johnny Davis doesn't pan out, the Orlando Magic have plenty of other possibilities they could turn to. Five others besides Scott Skiles to watch: Billy Donovan: NBA experiment didn't work out for his mentor, Rick Pitino, but don't rule out a jump for his slick-haired protege. "The big thing," he told Florida Today in March, "is having a chance to win." Byron Scott, New Jersey Nets: His contract's up at the end of the year and he's not happy about not being offered an extension. If available, he'll be a hot commodity after leading the Nets to back-to-back NBA Finals appearances. George Karl, ESPN: The Magic have a history with TV analysts (Doc Rivers and Chuck Daly were hired straight out of the broadcast booth) and Karl will be itching to get back to work after being let go by the Bucks. Pat Riley, Miami Heat: Too proud to go out like he did with Miami. The Heat's president might be able to be convinced to give coaching another try, if he's given complete control (that means so long, John Gabriel). Tom Izzo, Michigan State: Passed on the Atlanta Hawks' five-year, $15 million offer in 2000 (smart move), but could be ready to make a move after winning a national title and four Big Ten titles in nine years in East Lansing.
You have to admit, Rudy coaching Orlando is not without some irony. I mean what happens if there is a Rockets vs Orlando Finals #2 and this time the shoe is on the other foot.
Orlando would be lucky to get Rudy. Considering that they would get a Championship coach and when Yao finishes his contract with the Rockets he is most certainly to follow Rudy. Can you imagine Yao and Mcgrady in their prime together. That would be a team that could beat anyone in the west. The Rockets better hope Rudy stays in retirement.
Rudy would be better off waiting to take the Suns position which will soon be available... He could add Charles as an assistant
