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Power ranking NBA head coaches: 2015-16 season

By John Buhler

Oct 23, 2015; Manchester, NH, USA; Boston Celtics head coach Brad Stevens gestures from the sidelines during the second half against the Philadelphia 76ers at Verizon Wireless Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 23, 2015; Manchester, NH, USA; Boston Celtics head coach Brad Stevens gestures from the sidelines during the second half against the Philadelphia 76ers at Verizon Wireless Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 28, 2015; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic head coach Scott Skiles reacts against the Washington Wizards during the second half at Amway Center. Washington Wizards defeated the Orlando Magic 88-87. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 28, 2015; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic head coach Scott Skiles reacts against the Washington Wizards during the second half at Amway Center. Washington Wizards defeated the Orlando Magic 88-87. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

16. Scott Skiles, Orlando Magic

Scott Skiles has a unique skill set as an NBA head coach. He’s entering his first year with his fourth NBA team, taking over the young Orlando Magic. Skiles can resonate with young, but talented teams and get them over the top and into the postseason.

Should his track record as a head coach indicate anything going forward with the Orlando Magic, they are likely only a year or so away from making the postseason. Scott Skiles has taken the Phoenix Suns, the Chicago Bulls, and the Milwaukee Bucks all to the postseason.

In the middle of a Scott Skiles Era, it’s all good as he has gotten a down-on-its-luck franchise back in the playoffs. The problem with Skiles is once that happens, he’s not able to get his team over the hump and consistently make deep playoff runs. He’s had a knack for getting fired mid-season and that could happen in Orlando if he’s not careful.

What makes Orlando different for Skiles is that he had his best part of his playing career with the Orlando Magic. Skiles was the starting point guard for the Orlando Magic right out of expansion, before losing his job to Penny Hardaway a few years later.

If Skiles can connect with Elfrid Payton, Victor Oladipo, Nikola Vucevic, Tobias Harris, Aaron Gordon, and the rest of the young, but talented Orlando Magic team, he could have the most fun coaching an NBA team if the pieces do end up fitting in Central Florida.

It’s not going to come easily, but the amount of raw talent he has to work with and his proven track record made this the perfect hire for the Orlando Magic organization. Keep an eye on Scott Skiles and the Magic as this season progresses.

Next: 15. George Karl

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