What was expected to be a quiet June day in the world of the Orlando Magic turned out to be anything but.
Steve Clifford, after three seasons as coach of the Magic, parted ways with the organization on Saturday.
While not completely unexpected - given the Magic’s rebuild, Clifford’s contract situation, the Magic’s need for player development, and Clifford’s penchant for playing vets - it was still somewhat surprising.
Clifford guided the Magic to the postseason in his first two seasons as coach, ending a seven-year post-Dwight drought. He held players accountable, played those he felt gave the Magic the best chance to win, and refused to celebrate moral victory or empty stats.