OKC Thunder: 10 NBA assistants to consider for head coach
A duo of candidates from Steve Clifford’s Magic staff:
Although the Orlando Magic hasn’t won a first-round series since Steve Clifford took over he and his staff have progressively improved the squad. Much like Nate McMillan did with the Pacers, Clifford is a head coach who is adept at both sides of the hardwood. The unfortunate draw of the Raptor in the championship season and then the Bucks this season made for a tough challenge and resulted in early exits.
That said, the 1-4 oust both seasons doesn’t do justice to how well prepared the Magic were for those playoff series. Much of that is due to the talent residing on Clifford’s staff and two individuals in particular.
Pat Delany – two seasons with Clifford in Orlando (four in Charlotte)
When the New York Knicks were interviewing one of the first names on their list was Pat Delany. The assistant is a Clifford favorite having been with him for the past six seasons (two with the Magic and four with the Hornets).
Again, if you go back and watch the past two playoff series by the Magic the series and several games were closer than the 1-4 series indicates. Delany in particular is strong at preparing the team and adapting to nuances required in-game. He handles most of the play calls when the team is in the clutch segment of matches.
Prior to his stints with Charlotte and Orlando, Delany spent time with the Miami Heat organization coaching their G-League affiliate, the Sioux Falls SkyForce.
Steve Hetzel – two seasons with Clifford in Orlando (four in Charlotte)
Like Delany, Steve Hetzel has been with Steve Clifford for the past six seasons. Hetzel was the head coach of the Canton Charge (the Cavaliers G-League affiliate). In addition, the Michigan native spent four seasons as a player development coach with the Pistons and a season in San Antonio as an assistant video coordinator.
He gained a bachelor of arts in kinesiology while at Michigan State specializing in coaching and was the student manager of the Spartans under Mike Izzo’s tutelage.
The reason Sam Presti may have more interest in Hetzel over Delany is his work developing young players and point guards in particular. Specifically, he helped grow and develop Kemba Walker while in Charlotte and made huge strides with Markelle Fultz in Orlando. Since two of the young trio on the OKC Thunder roster are Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Luguentz Dort his talent may impress Presti who undoubtedly wants to add a bench boss with strength in developing the young stars.