標籤: preferred

A new rumor suggests the recently fired head coach is the favorite to get a similar start with the Orlando Magic. And the strange thing is that he too was appointed to this job two decades ago.

After blowing a 3–1 lead in their opening-round playoff matchup against the Detroit Pistons, Magic management decided that the team needed a new voice leading their locker room and bench in 2026–27. Still, it won’t be easy to replace former head coach Jamahl Mosley after playing a leading role in building the team into a playoff contender.

The organization has been linked to several experienced coaches to replace Mosley. However, according to NBA insider Jake Fisher, there appears to be a strong contender for the position. “Coaching insiders across the league landscape are operating under the belief that former Bulls coach Billy Donovan has an excellent chance to land the position.”

Fisher said the former Chicago Bulls head coach “has been talking with Magic president Jeff Weltman and will soon have an in-person meeting with the Orlando chief executive”. Donovan resigned from his role with the Bulls last month following a 31-51 finish and a fourth consecutive loss in Chicago. His record as a coach in the NBA is 469-413.

The former Florida Gators coach was hired as head coach of the Magic in 2007, before he reneged on the deal and returned to the Gators. He eventually jumped to the NBA eight years later with the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Jeff Van Gundy is also a contender for the head coach position of Orlando Magic

While Donovan appears to be a strong contender to become the next head coach of the Magic, it is not a done deal. Another experienced coach with a strong resume who Fisher claims is in the running for the job is former New York Knicks and Houston Rockets head coach Jeff Van Gundy.

He left coaching in 2007 and remained a favorite on-air voice for the NBA on ESPN for several years. However, after 16 years, he was let go by the network in 2023. Since then, he has been a consultant for the Boston Celtics and is currently an assistant with the Los Angeles Clippers, where he has earned praise.

Van Gundy’s career record as a head coach is 430–318. His peak came when he led the Knicks for seven seasons, leading them to the playoffs six times, including their last trip to the Finals in 1999.

After earning a journalism degree in 2017, Jason Burgos worked as a contributor to several sites, including MMA Sacca… More about Jason Burgos

A surprising report claims an unlikely Western Conference team is the “preferred destination” of Milwaukee Bucks great Giannis Antetokounmpo.

While the NBA world is focused on the playoffs that began last week, we are also just a few weeks away from the start of the offseason. And there will be no bigger story this summer than Antetokounmpo’s future.

After hearing offers before February’s NBA trade deadline, the Bucks are expected to more seriously consider trade packages with better offers and more teams involved in the offseason. However, the 10-time All-Star is expected to play a major role wherever he ends up. So, finding out her favorite places is equally a big story.

Antetokounmpo’s interest in the New York Knicks is well-founded as Gotham is a beloved stop in the offseason. The Golden State Warriors were one of the teams that pursued him most aggressively over the winter, and the Miami Heat are also expected to pursue the two-time NBA MVP. Those teams are viewed as favorites because of their location and their ability to compete with Antetokounmpo next year.

However, this week, a completely unexpected contender emerged. According to PHNX Sports NBA insider Flex from Jersey, the Phoenix Suns are a “preferred destination” for the future Hall of Famer.

Giannis wants to go to the Phoenix Suns?

“Giannis definitely wants to live in Phoenix and it is a preferred destination,” he wrote in a post on X. “That’s because of Matt Ishbia, Devin Booker and what they’re building!”

However, the podcast co-host and contributor added a surprising element to the left-field claim. “I can’t believe the Sun would suddenly destroy things,” he wrote. “Got to understand! They love the situation they’re in.”

After being one of the biggest disappointments in the NBA last season, the Suns have let go of head coach Mike Budenholzer, Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal. The changes worked, and under new head coach Jordan Ott they went from winning 36 games in 2024–25 to 45 this season. His defense has improved, and he has upside.

Booker and Antetokounmpo could be a bad pairing if the Suns had assets the Bucks were interested in, and the NBA superstar really wanted to go to the desert.

After earning a journalism degree in 2017, Jason Burgos worked as a contributor to several sites, including MMA Sacca… More about Jason Burgos

In an ideal world, New York Giants decision-makers reportedly hope Jeremiah Love is still on the board when they make the No. 5 pick next week. However, if he doesn’t, they have three backup plans in mind.

There has been much speculation about what the Giants will do with the fifth overall selection in next week’s NFL Draft. Early mock drafts linked Big Blue to talented Ohio State safety Caleb Downs. And when new head coach John Harbaugh was asked about his choice to select him in Round 1, he even called him a potential Hall of Famer.

Still, while the coach is a fan of Downs, it seems a different player is at the top of his wish list. According to ESPN’s Jordan Raanan, “Coach Harbaugh and the Giants in particular are heavily dependent on Jeremiah Love. If he’s available, it’s hard to see them passing up that opportunity.”

New York Giants like to trade back in Round 1

There have been previous reports that, despite Cam Scatebo being there, the Giants brass were very interested in the Notre Dame running back and Heisman Trophy finalist. Unfortunately for New York, it looks likely that the Tennessee Titans will take him at No. 4. So what do they do if he’s no longer available?

According to Giants Insider, Downs and his OSU teammate Sonny Styles are the other players “highest on their radar” with the fifth overall selection. Still, a pick among the five is not considered an “ideal” scenario by Harbaugh and the front office.

“In an ideal world, the Giants would like to move back a few spots, add more picks (they have just two in the top 100), and draft a player like Caleb Downs. But that’s easier said than done,” Raanan reports.

In just less than a week, Giants fans will find out which direction the team goes with the No. 5 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.

After earning a journalism degree in 2017, Jason Burgos worked as a contributor to several sites, including MMA Sacca… More about Jason Burgos

Crystal Palace midfielder Jefferson Lerma has revealed when he expects to return from injury, while also admitting that he is not currently playing in his preferred role.

talking to espnThe Colombia international provided an update on his recovery from the hamstring problem that forced him to play against Burnley. Palace manager Oliver Glasner had already confirmed that he would be sidelined for around three weeks due to the problem.

This update comes after colombian press Considerable concern was expressed over the severity of his injury last week, especially as the March international break approaches. There were fears that he might miss the upcoming call-up window. Now, Lerma has offered more clarity on the timeline.

“I’m fine. Unfortunately we had a little setback at four weeks, but as these days go by we feel better sensations. We believe we will be back around the 7th or 13th week.” he told ESPN.

That time frame would see him return in mid-March, possibly for Colombia’s upcoming international fixtures against France and Croatia in the United States. However, Palace are focused on getting him fit for the final stages of the campaign.

Crystal Palace players are in no rush

Lerma acknowledged the emotional importance of international football, but stressed that logic must prevail during the recovery.

“Being with the national team brings up a lot of emotions because of everything it means. But in the end the cause comes first and you have to be strong. The first days are always an emotional shock, but you know the sun will come out tomorrow.” He said.

His rehabilitation is progressing well, and Palace are hopeful that if there are no setbacks he will rejoin the team in the second week of March.

Why is his current role not his best?

This season, Lerma has also been used as a centre-back. Although he has filled in capably, he has made it clear where he feels most comfortable.

“It was nothing new, I had already done it. If you choose me, I would like to play as a defensive midfielder.” He added.

This priority could be relevant as Crystal Palace approaches decisive matches in Europe and the league. The tie against Zrinjski is tied 1-1, and victory in London would send Palace into the last 16 of their first continental competition.

However, the priority right now is recovery. If Lerma returns around March 13, Palace will again have an experienced option for the run-in – and he could still try to re-establish himself in his preferred midfield role.

It appears Manchester City are more than sad to lose Bernardo Silva at the end of the season, with Spanish reports now claiming the midfielder is ready for a new chapter.

according to game In Spain, the 31-year-old is “leaning” towards a move after nine seasons at the Etihad. His contract expires on June 30, and reports suggest Pep Guardiola’s side will not aggressively push for a renewal.

Bernardo has Has been linked to FC Barcelona for a long time. His agent, Jorge Mendes, maintains strong ties with the Catalan club. Furthermore, the player is said to be fond of the region and has previously holidayed on the Costa Brava.

However, the report argues that Barcelona’s midfield depth could complicate any move. With players like Fermín López, Dani Olmo and Gavi already present, Bernardo will need to settle into a deeper role.

Questions are raised about physical intensity and whether the current team profile suits him. As a result, an alternative in Spain is now being presented as more realistic.

Why is Atletico Madrid leading the race?

Atletico Madrid have been described as the strongest current candidates for the Manchester City player. Sporting director Matteo Alemany reportedly sees value in signing a player of Bernardo’s caliber on a free transfer.

The idea of ​​remaining at elite continental level while playing a central role appeals to the Portuguese international. Diego Simeone will gain experience and technical quality, while Atletico continue to reshape their squad.

Meanwhile, speculation has not been limited to Spain. Bernardo has also been linked this week juventus And Galatasaray. However, the Spanish outlet downplays the serious momentum behind those prospects.

Paris Saint-Germain is also mentioned, mainly due to DOF Luis Campus’s historical relationship with Bernardo of Monaco. Yet the French club is currently prioritizing a youth profile.

what happens next

From Manchester City’s perspective, the situation appears calm rather than dramatic. Guardiola has again publicly praised Bernardo this week, calling him “one of the greats”, but there is a growing feeling inside Spain that his cycle in England is reaching its natural end.

Manchester City is not applying direct pressure. Bernardo has options. Atletico Madrid is currently in the best position in Spain. Other European clubs are circling.

With several months still left in the season, the player remains in control. The hope now is that there will be clarity closer to the summer window, once the city’s campaign objectives have been resolved.