Penny Hardaway A "Serious Candidate" For Orlando Job

 "It makes sense." That's how ex-NBAer Antonio Daniels describes the natural fit of Penny Hardaway and the open Orlando Magic coaching position. 

“It makes sense.”
@RickKamlaSports and @adaniels33 explain why the Magic hiring Penny Hardaway as head coach would be “a great look.”#MagicTogether pic.twitter.com/KEdMVrpfqP

— SiriusXM NBA Radio (@SiriusXMNBA) June 28, 2021

Anfernee "Penny" Hardaway has indeed emerged as a "serious candidate" for the Magic job after his interview with the team. 

Memphis coach Penny Hardaway interviewed for the Orlando Magic head coaching job and has emerged as a serious candidate, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium.https://t.co/nyhfhhLTSa

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 27, 2021

The 49-year-old Hardaway was a 4-time all-star in the NBA, serving as one of the Magic's franchise players for the first six years of his career, from 1993-99. He's coached the University of Memphis Tigers to a 63-32 record since 2018, along with the NIT title this year, and is known for his strong player development. 

Daniels explained on NBA Radio today that "history matters", and the Magic bringing in one of their all-time greats to take over the coaching reins would be a perfect transition into the future for the organization. 

There are still, however, many other candidates the Magic have a strong interest in, so this hiring is far from a done deal at this point. 

Photo Credit: Kareem Elgazzar/The Enquirer via Imagn Content Services, LLC