The Orlando Magic reportedly are discussing a contract with ex-Milwaukee Bucks coach Scott Skiles. Given that Skiles interviewed this week with the New Orleans Pelicans, the Magic likely feel added pressure to get Skiles locked and signed as soon as possible.
UPDATE: Orlando confirmed the hiring of Skiles, one of the Magic's most popular players.
"As we began our search, our internal discussions centered on finding a head coach with a solid resume of NBA head coaching experience, great leadership qualities, a motivating communication style, and someone with a strong strategic acumen,'' Magic CEO Alex Martins said in a statement released on the team website. "We feel Scott brings a balanced approach in all those qualities and we look forward, with great confidence, to him leading our young men in helping us reach our collective goal of sustainable success."
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Skiles has been a frontrunner for the Orlando vacancy for months. Although reports made it sound like a deal between the two sides was imminent, Skiles took an interview with the Pelicans this week. Orlando, though, reportedly remains undeterred and is still pushing things forward with him.
"The Orlando Magic have entered into contract discussions with former Magic fan favorite Scott Skiles and expect to soon complete his hiring as the team's next coach, according to league sources," ESPN's Marc Stein wrote Friday. "Sources told ESPN.com that the Magic, undaunted by Skiles' interview this week with the New Orleans Pelicans, continue to push for a deal with Skiles and are trying to complete a multiyear deal with the former Phoenix Suns, Chicago Bulls and Milwaukee Bucks coach who famously once had a 30-assist game when he was playing in Orlando's backcourt.
"One source said the Magic hope to have a deal struck with Skiles as soon as Friday."
Longtime NBA writer Peter Vecsey reported Sunday a deal between Skiles and Orlando would be completed sometime this week, prior to news breaking of Skiles's interview with New Orleans. Yahoo Sports also reported this week that Skiles and the Magic were closing in on a deal.
