Matt Hanifan

Matt Hanifan

Joined: Sep 9, 2025

Matt Hanifan: Born and raised in Nevada, Matt has covered the Miami Heat, NBA and men’s college basketball for various platforms since 2019. More of his work can be found at Hot Hot Hoops, Vendetta Sports Media and Mountain West Connection. He studied journalism at the University of Nevada, Reno, where he previously served as a sports staff writer for The Nevada Sagebrush. Twitter: @Mph_824_

Mar 19, 2026; Buffalo, NY, USA; South Florida Bulls forward Izaiyah Nelson (35) reacts to a play during the first half against the Louisville Cardinals during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Keybank Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-Imagn Images

Jan 6, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Cougars guard Emanuel Sharp (21) reacts after scoring a basket during the first half against the Texas Tech Red Raiders at Fertitta Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

Apr 25, 2026; Orlando, Florida, USA; Orlando Magic forward Franz Wagner (22) reacts to a shot by forward Paolo Banchero (5) against the Detroit Pistons in the fourth quarter during game three of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Kia Center. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

Jun 18, 2026; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic President of Basketball Operations Jeff Weltman takes media questions during a press conference to introduce new head coach Sean Sweeney at AdventHealth Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-Imagn Images

Nov 22, 2025; Orlando, Florida, USA; Orlando Magic guard Desmond Bane (3) reacts after a play against the New York Knicks in the third quarter at Kia Center. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

News

Orlando swung for the fences for Desmond Bane one year ago. How has it paid off so far?

Apr 27, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Isaiah Joe (11) celebrates a shot against the Phoenix Suns in the first half during game four of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Free Agency

The Orlando Magic finished 26th in 3-point percentage last year, and should be looking to remedy that this summer with Isaiah Joe and other free agent options.

Mar 21, 2025; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero (5) reacts before the game against the Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Reggie Hildred-Imagn Images

News

The Orlando Magic are ranked in the middle-of-the-pack in way-too-early 2026-27 NBA power rankings.

Mar 1, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics center Nikola Vucevic (4) dribbles down the court defended by Philadelphia 76ers center Andre Drummond (1) during the first half at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Paul Rutherford-Imagn Images

Free Agency

Former Orlando big man Nikola Vučević will be a free agent this summer.

Jan 9, 2026; Orlando, Florida, USA; Orlando Magic guard Jase Richardson (11) looks on against the Philadelphia 76ers in the fourth quarter at Kia Center. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

News

The Orlando Magic will need more from its depth in the 2026-27 season

Mar 26, 2026; Houston, TX, USA;Houston Cougars guard Emanuel Sharp (21) reacts in the first half during a Sweet Sixteen game of the South Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

Orlando was one of the NBA's worst 3-point shooting last year, so which prospect can help in that area?

Apr 17, 2026; Orlando, Florida, USA; Orlando Magic guard Desmond Bane (3) shoots in front of Charlotte Hornets guard Josh Green (10) during the second quarter during the play-in rounds of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Kia Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-Imagn Images

Trade Rumors

We are roughly one month from the start of free agency.

May 3, 2026; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Orlando Magic center Wendell Carter Jr. (34) reacts in the first half against the Detroit Pistons during game seven of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images

News

Magic have had a deep frontcourt rotation the last few seasons.

Dec 2, 2025; San Antonio, Texas, USA; San Antonio Spurs assistant head coach Sean Sweeney signals to players during the second half against the Memphis Grizzlies at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-Imagn Images

Orlando hired the Spurs' top associate coach, Sean Sweeney, this week, and he will take over the Magic after the NBA Finals

Mar 31, 2026; Orlando, Florida, USA; Orlando Magic forward Jonathan Isaac (1) warms up before a game against the Phoenix Suns at Kia Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-Imagn Images

Isaac is only guaranteed $8 million next season.

Dec 19, 2022; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Dallas Mavericks assistant coach Sean Sweeney reacts during the fourth quarter against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images

The Magic's new head coach Sean Sweeney, who is still an assistant with the San Antonio Spurs, doesn't have any experience in this position.

Dec 3, 2025; Orlando, Florida, USA; Orlando Magic guard Jalen Suggs (4) reacts after a basket against the San Antonio Spurs in the third quarter at Kia Center. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

Orlando's near-month-long head coaching search is over.