TBT: Orlando Magic

VANITY FAIR EXCLUSIVE:

Where heartthrob meets the hardwood

Unforgiving, charismatic NSL General Manager gc6 sits down with us, in a tell-all interview, granting access into his rarely seen sensual world, covering relationships to roster building, trading, turmoil and triumphs and everything in between.

FOREWORD

It�s 4:45pm, on a Saturday afternoon. It�s the period between the peak of a warm day and the beginning of a cold night, where the Earth cools, the land is still, and everything slows down. A figure paces around the loft, phone to his ear, laptop by the ready nearby. His figure casts a striking silhouette against the tawny sky, casements wide open so he can feel the warmth � and the cold. A man so driven, so resistant to putting down roots, he says it reminds him that the world around him does exist.

The lapels and hem of his linen shirt flapping in the light breeze, and then resting. But never gc6. It�s the off-season, but for gc6, there is no off-season. There is no off button. It�s go, all the time. To stand still is to regress. Progress is the only acceptable way to move in this game and in gc6�s life. In fact, as his love for the game and his want to succeed are so deeply engrained into his soul, his heart won�t let him rest. 

He doesn�t have time to look back, only forward. No time for relationships unless it�s with his players and GM peers. No time for reflection unless it�s in a mirror or a window with plenty of light about. And in that case, you�d be mad not to stop and take a look � the only thing sharper than his trade talks or cheeky retorts are his looks. Think� surfer prom King meets boy next door. 

If you thought he was a firm negotiator, you should feel his� couch. It�s brand new, leather. Needs to be worn in a little. Almost uncomfortable in its stiffness. It�s obvious he doesn�t spend much time at home. 

Sitting down on the couch occurs, after we finally convinced gc6 to turn off his devices and commit to ten minutes with Vanity Fair. He smirks, chuckles and weighs up the decision. You can tell he isn�t told what to do very often. He is torn. It�s truly hard for him to switch off. What will he miss if he isn�t connected? Which trade will fall apart? Which ladder rung will be climbed by someone other than himself?

When you grind all the time, it�s almost uncomfortable in the calm. 

�Kevin Love, he calls me a lot. He feels safe when he talks to me.� explains gc6.

Interviewer: gc6� Gavin. Thank you for speaking with us. I wanted to ask you, why do you love your job with the Orlando Magic?

Gavin: I find the challenge of all that the job entails enjoyable. It requires a widespread of skills and intelligences and I welcome the challenge of trying to take Orlando to the top of the NSL. It�s a great community to be a part of. Respectful, competitive, and genuine. Sometimes it�s a grind. Deal with managers who aren�t responsive or reasonable, dealing with players who aren�t reasonable, but that pales in comparison to all the positives. I enjoy trying to out-analyse others, to find value or the right player. I have a vision in mind and ever since I made a move for Trae, it�s all been about just adding layer by layer. We are in a great spot, and I�ve never loved my job and the NSL more than I do currently.

Interviewer: What�s been the most success, disappointment you�ve recently experience as the GM or Orlando?

Gavin: [Takes moments to think] Hmm� The greatest success and greatest disappointment likely came within the same week. Fighting through the entire playoff tournament to almost make the playoffs, was a great achievement for a young team. We fell one win short, and it really hurt. That was probably as disappointing as any moment throughout the year. Sure, it always sucks when players get hurt and miss time, when you drop close games; but having our destiny in our hands and fumbling the chance to play in the playoffs, stung. It�s stayed with us all off-season and been quite motivational. We will build on that in 21-22 and make the playoffs. Book it.

Interviewer: What have been your best, worst moves over the past year?

Gavin: Positive moves, for the Magic� there�s been plenty to be excited about. Getting off Wiggins $30M was important for the team�s structure and we were able to add valuable first round picks. Adding Harris and Gafford, two players we see as starters for a long time, was crucial for our team build around Trae. We are thrilled with the price we paid for Dejounte Murray. His ability to impact the game defensively, and his size, fits so well with Trae. We wish all the best to the players we sent out, but none of them were going to do half of what Dejounte can for us. Also, falling into pick 4 was incredible, as well, and adds unexpected talent to the team in Jalen Suggs.

We wanted it to work out better with Frankie (Nkilitina), as it cost us a multiple future 2^nd round picks, but he just wasn�t what we were after at point guard and Frankie sought to play elsewhere. Giving up a first round pick for Kevin Love hasn�t aged all that well (yet), but I still think there�s upside and value to be had in that deal. We will see. 

Interviewer: Tough question, I know, but� Which players are most important to your franchise?

Gavin: Everyone! Seriously, I fucking love this team. Each player. But I�ll give you some more specific suggestions for the readers. Trae Young is obviously most important to the team in terms of his superstar potential and due to the fact we have built over the last 12-15 months to try and maximise his talents and cover his shortcomings. I think we have found a long-term answer at centre in Daniel Gafford. He is intense and athletic and wants to dominate. We love what he does for his teammates. As mentioned earlier, lucking into a top-four pick, changed the trajectory of this team. Jalen Suggs is a great scorer and can put up 20ppg in this league. A luxury we have for the future, and for the now.