Earlier this evening, we learned that former Lakers and Bulls coach Phil Jackson was approached with an offer from the Magic to join their front office. The basketball legend was reportedly considering the offer right up until this afternoon, when he informed Orlando that he would instead be taking another opportunity. As we anxiously await to see where the Zen Master lands, here's a look at the latest from Sam Amick of SportsIllustrated.com on other possibilities for the Magic and other news..
- Amick views Hall of Famer Jerry Sloan as the leading candidate to land the Bobcats position after interviewing with the team on Friday in Utah. Charlotte has interviewed quite a few candidates for the job and Luke Adams ran down the possible candidates on Monday.
- It seems as though the current short list for the Bobcats job includes Sloan, Pacers assistant Brian Shaw, Warriors assistant Michael Malone, former Blazers coach Nate McMillan, and Cavs assistant Nate Tibbets. Grizzlies assistant Dave Joerger and former Bobcats assistant Stephen Silas also interviewed, but their statuses are unknown.
- Donnie Walsh was expected to be a leading candidate for the Magic GM job, but a source close the exec said he was waiting for the Pacers situation to unfold before possibly heading elsewhere. It would seem that Larry Bird's uncertain status has affected the GM searches of other clubs.
- A source confirmed that the Blazers' final four in their search consists of Jeff Bower, Pacers GM David Morway, Clippers GM Neil Olshey, and Sixers senior vice president Tony DiLeo.
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