:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/59558525/usa_today_10740387.0.jpg)
All had been quiet in regard to Magic coaching rumors.
Until Friday, the most recent news was that the Magic would have interest in Portland Trailblazers’ head coach Terry Stotts if he were to become available after the Blazers were swept in the first round.
But, according to Chris Haynes of ESPN, it’s one of Stotts’ assistants on the Blazers’ staff, David Vanterpool, that has become the latest candidate to secure an interview with the Magic for their head coaching position.
Orlando has been granted permission to interview Portland assistant David Vanterpool for its vacant head coach position, league sources tell ESPN.
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) April 28, 2018
Vanterpool becomes the second candidate set to interview with Orlando, joining Jerry Stackhouse.
Not exactly the household name that Stackhouse, Vanterpool played very briefly with the Washington WIzards during the 2000-2001 season before playing overseas. He coached internationally before joining the Blazers’ staff in 2012.
Prior to the Magic hiring Frank Vogel as head coach, Vanterpool interviewed with then Magic GM Rob Hennigan for the position.
As we discussed in our Orlando Magic Coaching Candidate Power Rankings, Vanterpool was ranked the fourth best assistant in the league in the NBA’s preseason GM survey. According to Chris Manix of Yahoo Sports, Vanterpool has worked closely with Damian Lillard and C.J. McCollum and is the “defensive coordinator of Stotts’ staff.”