Orlando, Florida – The Orlando Magic have made a significant splash in their coaching ranks, securing the services of one of the NBA’s most revered player development gurus, God Shammgod. The former Dallas Mavericks player development coach officially joins the Magic’s staff as an assistant, a move confirmed by multiple reports, including ESPN’s Shams Charania, on Wednesday, July 2, 2025. This acquisition marks a strategic leap for the ascending Magic, signaling a deep commitment to nurturing their burgeoning young core.
Shammgod’s departure from Dallas, where his contract recently expired, concludes a highly impactful tenure that began in 2016 (though some sources indicate 2019). During his time with the Mavericks, Shammgod earned widespread respect for his meticulous, hands-on approach to skill enhancement. He was instrumental in the growth of stars like Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving, with his expertise in ball-handling and overall offensive refinement proving invaluable. His presence was a cornerstone of the Mavericks’ player-first culture, extending beyond the court to foster deep relationships with the athletes he mentored. The famed “Shammgod” dribble move, a dazzling piece of basketball artistry he popularized during his playing days, is a testament to his profound understanding of the game’s intricacies, a knowledge he effortlessly imparted to the next generation.
For the Orlando Magic, this is far more than just another coaching hire; it’s an investment in their future. The team, fresh off a commendable postseason appearance, has been vocal about its dedication to internal growth. Head Coach Jamahl Mosley, who himself spent seven seasons as an assistant in Dallas before taking the Magic’s helm in 2021, already has a strong working relationship with Shammgod. This pre-existing synergy is expected to facilitate a seamless transition and immediate impact.
In Orlando, Shammgod will be tasked with accelerating the development of the Magic’s highly promising young roster. Names like Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner, Anthony Black, and Jase Richardson stand to benefit immensely from his specialized tutelage. His focus will undoubtedly be on refining their offensive skill sets, particularly ball-handling, decision-making, and creativity with the basketball. Anthony Black, who showed flashes of potential in his rookie season, and Jase Richardson, considered a steal in the recent NBA Draft, are among the young guards poised for significant gains under Shammgod’s guidance. The Magic’s offense, identified as a key area for improvement last season, will certainly gain from Shammgod’s ability to unlock individual offensive potential, even if his role isn’t directly tied to systemic offensive schemes.
The move also creates a notable void in Dallas. The Mavericks’ coaching staff is currently undergoing a significant reshuffling, with Shammgod’s exit following closely on the heels of the hiring of Frank Vogel as an associate head coach. While the Mavericks will undoubtedly miss Shammgod’s unique contributions, the Magic are now poised to reap the rewards of his exceptional talent development.
Shammgod’s journey from a streetball legend and professional player to an elite NBA coach is truly remarkable. His ability to connect with players, combined with his encyclopedic knowledge of basketball fundamentals, makes him a coveted asset. The “Shammgod” will not only live on as a signature move on playgrounds worldwide but also as a guiding philosophy within the Magic’s locker room, promising to shape the careers of their young stars for years to come. This strategic hire underscores Orlando’s ambition to transform their promising potential into sustained championship contention.
