In a shocking move across the NBA today, Scott Skiles will not be head coaching the Orlando Magic moving forward. This is only after serving as coach for only one season.
Even though the Magic missed the playoffs for their fourth straight year, the team has a promising future ahead, with young guys like Aaron Gordon, Elfrid Payton and Victor Oladipo carrying the torch. The team went 35-47 for the season, but enjoyed a good first half, especially in December, when Skiles was named Eastern Coach of the Month after leading the team to a 10-5 stretch.
Unfortunately, after trading pieces like Tobias Harris and Channing Frye, the squad went into a downhill tailspin, losing 34 of their final 50 games.
“After much thought and careful consideration, I and I alone, have come to the conclusion that I am not the right head coach for this team. Therefore, effective immediately, I resign my position as head coach of the Orlando Magic. I realize this type of decision can cause much speculation. The reality though is in the first sentence. It is simple and true. Any other rumors are pure conjecture.”
I sincerely apologize for any unintended consequences that may adversely affect anyone associated with this decision. The Magic are a world-class organization that employs world-class people. I wish them nothing but great success. I will always be thankful, especially to the DeVos family, for the opportunity.”
There is speculation that Skiles wanted to bring in more veterans to complement the young squad and there may have been a disagreement between management and the coach concerning which pieces fit best for the forseeable future. Word is, Skiles was not too much of a fan of the young backcourt they have in place, but after the trade deadline, it was obvious his plan wasn’t working.
The Magic will now start searching a head coaching immediately for what may be one of the more attracting and promising jobs left on the market.
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