It appears the Orlando Magic might be getting back to their roots to resume a stalled, multi-year rebuilding project.
Confirming a rumor following the dismissal of Jacque Vaughn last February, Yahoo Sports’ Adrian Wojnarowski reports that Scott Skiles – the franchise’s first starting point guard – has emerged as the most likely candidate to fill Orlando’s vacant coaching position.
Scott Skiles has emerged as the strong frontrunner to become head coach of the Orlando Magic, league sources told Yahoo Sports.
Magic general manager Rob Hennigan has discussed the opening with several possible candidates, but Skiles has clearly separated himself in the process, league sources told Yahoo Sports.
Although Orlando has thus far shown no inclination to rush into a hiring, discussions could soon advance into contract negotiations, league sources said.
Wojnarowski also notes that Skiles has long been the favored choice of owner Rich DeVos, who grew especially fond of the 51 year-old during his playing days with the Magic in the early 1990s. And though Orlando remains interested in Tom Thibodeau, the team is currently unwilling to surrender the compensation needed to pry him from the Chicago Bulls, Wojnarowski writes.
Skiles hasn’t coached in the NBA since parting ways with the Milwaukee Bucks in January 2013. He’s compiled a 443-433 record over 13 seasons as coach of the Bucks, Chicago Bulls, and Phoenix Suns. His teams have won a postseason berth on six occasions, but never advanced past the Conference Semifinals.
Known as a strict disciplinarian who puts an emphasis on defense, Skiles is a good choice for a young Magic squad that’s lacked consistency in the post- Dwight Howard era. And though Orlando likely lacks the singular foundational piece that all teams covet, several intriguing defensive-oriented pieces are already on the roster – and Victor Oladipo flashed All-Star potential during his sophomore campaign.
The Magic swung for the fences on the unproven Vaughn three years ago and ultimately whiffed, leading them to reportedly covet a coach who will instill a sense of accountability in their promising group of youngsters. Skiles certainly fits the bill from that perspective, given his well-earned reputation for wearing thin on players in Milwaukee and Chicago. Though, one must wonder just how high the ceiling on this potential marriage could go.
But before Orlando has championship or even playoff aspirations, it must first trudge back to respectability. We’re confident Skiles can get the Magic there and even a bit further; he’s done as much at each of his previous three coaching stops. It’s the next level that Skiles has been unable to reach.
Might he finally do it in Orlando? We’re dubious, but Skiles is undoubtedly one of the available coaches most likely to make the Magic competitive – and that’s what this organization needs most right now.
