Orlando has been linked to Phil Jackson, according to many rumors. Jackson retired from coaching after the Los Angeles Lakers were knocked out of the NBA Playoffs last year in a sweep to the Dallas Mavericks, who became the eventual NBA champion.
Jackson has been rumored ever since to return to coaching, although it may not seem likely. Actually, the Magic even said they don't even want Jackson. In fact, they say they never even contacted the legendary coach, at least according to a report by ESPN's Chris Broussard, saying they don't want "an absentee head of basketball operations."
Jackson's agent, Todd Musburger, says that Broussard's report was accurate, telling NBA.com that Jackson didn't have interest in the Magic.
"One, Phil never voiced any interest in Orlando, never had us check it out, never checked it out himself. Two, Orlando never called."
Musburger also said that it would be "insulting" if Jackson would "consider commuting back-and-forth between Los Angeles and Orlando." He also added that Jackson is fine coming; but then again, he is perfectly calm with being retired as well.
"Phil would be very comfortable if he never returns to the NBA," Musburger said. "But I think he would be very comfortable returning."
Instead, Orlando has their sights on Indiana Pacers' assistant Brian Shaw, who is believed to be the leading candidate for the head coach position.
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Josh Dhani is the founder of FootBasket. He also contributes at Hoops Authority and Eight Points Nine Seconds. You can read more about him at his website. Follow him on Twitter @joshdhani.
