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Scott Skiles Named New Orlando Magic Head Coach

By Michael Dunlap

Dec 14, 2012; Cleveland, OH, USA; Milwaukee Bucks head coach Scott Skiles (center) reacts with assistant coaches Jim Boylan (left) and Joe Wolf in the second quarter against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 14, 2012; Cleveland, OH, USA; Milwaukee Bucks head coach Scott Skiles (center) reacts with assistant coaches Jim Boylan (left) and Joe Wolf in the second quarter against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Orlando Magic coaching search has come to an end, as the franchise has found their man in former Magic point guard Scott Skiles. The team announced via an email release that Skiles will become the 12th head coach in franchise history, taking over for interim head coach James Borrego — who had replaced Jacque Vaughn 52 games into the season.

Skiles is an experienced coach, having served as head coach for the Phoenix Suns, Chicago Bulls and Milwaukee Bucks. His record during the regular season is 443-433 (.506) and during the playoffs he’s 18-24 (.429).

It was obvious that management was looking for a head coach with experience — despite the fact that this year’s NBA Finals feature two rookie head coaches in Steve Kerr (Golden State) and David Blatt (Cleveland). This is what Orlando Magic CEO Alex Martins had to say about the search:

"“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,” said Orlando Magic CEO Alex Martins. “We feel Scott (Skiles) 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.”"

As a player, Skiles appeared in 600 career games as a member of the Milwaukee Bucks, Indiana Pacers, Orlando Magic, Washington Bullets and Philadelphia 76ers. Skiles still holds the top two spots in most assists during a Magic season, with 735 in 1992-93 and 660 in 1990-91.

Skiles holds the NBA record for assists in a game, as he dished out 30 dimes in 44 minutes in a win over the Denver Nuggets back in 1990.

Orlando is coming off of a disappointing 25-57 season — their third consecutive season winning less than 26 games. Not all is dreary in central Florida, as the team is committed to just $36 million in salary in 2015-16 and just $21.9 million in 2016-17.

Skiles and general manager Rob Hennigan will have plenty of cap space to work with to build around Victor Oladipo, Aaron Gordon and Elfrid Payton. First on the list? Dealing with stars Nikola Vucevic and Tobias Harris’ impending free agency.

Next: The Greatest Player In Every Franchise's History

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