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Report: Scott Brooks is Magic’s second choice, if they can’t hire Tom Thibodeau

Scott Brooks

FILE - In this Dec. 28, 2014, file photo, Oklahoma City Thunder coach Scott Brooks yells from the sideline during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Dallas Mavericks in Dallas. The Thunder fired Brooks on Wednesday, April 22, 2015. (AP Photo/LM Otero, File)

AP

The Magic are rumored to be waiting for Tom Tom Thibodeau, whose breakup from the Bulls seems very possible.

But if Orlando can’t get Thibodeau?

Steve Kyler of Basketball Insiders:

The runner-up candidate, according to sources, is recently fired Thunder coach Scott Brooks, with Golden State Warriors assistant Alvin Gentry said to be in the mix as well if Thibodeau doesn’t pan out.

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Brooks makes sense as both someone the Magic would hire and someone they should hire.

Orlando general manager Rob Hennigan, who recently signed a contract extension, previously worked with Brooks in Oklahoma City. Brooks helped the Thunder set a strong culture of playing hard. That might be just what the Magic need in this stage of their development. They have young talent and will have a little more after the upcoming draft. In the Eastern Conference, a stronger system could put them in the playoff race.

Gentry, who wants to become a head coach again, is probably a higher-upside candidate, but I’m not sure his offensive focus would mesh well with Orlando’s vision for the team.