NBA Rumors: Penny Hardaway Could Be The Next Head Coach Of The Orlando Magic

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As the Portland Trail Blazers are left to deal with the fallout for their coaching hire, the Orlando Magic have apparently found their dream candidate to lead the locker room.

According to Shams Charania, 14-year NBA veteran Penny Hardaway has interviewed for the job and has become a very serious contender to get hired.

(via The Athletic)

University of Memphis coach Penny Hardaway interviewed for the Orlando Magic head-coaching job and has emerged as a serious candidate, sources tell The Athletic.

Hardaway, 49, played 14 NBA seasons from 1993-2007, making four All-Star teams and two All-NBA first teams. He starred for the Magic from 1993-1999, establishing himself as one of the best players in franchise history.

Hardaway has experience in both the playing world and coaching world -- with varying degrees of success in both roles.

Of course, Penny also has a special connection to Orlando, thanks to the six seasons he spent with the franchise from 1993-1999. Even all these years later, he is still considered one of the franchise's All-Time greatest players.

Obviously, nothing is set for the Magic, who will probably continue to weigh their options over the next few days. But they certainly seem to be on the right track, which is a great sign for a team with such a dark history.