ORLANDO, Fla. — Scott Skiles surprisingly resigned as coach of the Orlando Magic after just one season and team executives insist they never saw it coming.
The Magic were busy Thursday trying to play spin control while also trying to make sense of the seemingly sudden decision by Skiles. He left after a sometimes turbulent season that ended on a positive note. The Magic improved by 10 wins under Skiles, finishing 35-47 but again missing the playoffs.
“This is certainly a challenging day for us, an unexpected day,” General Manager Rob Hennigan said. “I think when Scott and I first met a year ago, we had some great dialogue. We talked about basketball philosophy, basketball character and the things we look for in players. Quite honestly that dialogue continued throughout the season. So with the news we received from Scott (on Wednesday), we were very surprised by it, took aback a little bit.”
Skiles, a 14-year veteran coach and former Magic player, wasn’t available for comment but did issue a statement.
“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,” Skiles said. “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.”
JAZZ: Utah unveiled new uniforms that include an alternate jersey with sleeves and thick horizontal stripes across the front.
Jazz officials said the sleeved jersey is a nod to the team’s history. The jersey is designed to resemble warmups used by the Jazz several decades ago, and worn by Karl Malone, John Stockton and Adrian Dantley.
RAPTORS: In an injury-filled series, Toronto announced that forward DeMarre Carroll is questionable for Friday night’s Game 6 against Miami.
Carroll left Wednesday’s game due to a left wrist contusion he sustained in the third quarter. Carroll is averaging 11.2 points and 4.6 rebounds in the series.
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