Fansided

5 replacements for Scott Skiles with Orlando Magic

By John Buhler

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 /
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Jan 19, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; Milwaukee Bucks interim head coach Joe Prunty looks on from the sidelines against the Miami Heat at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Robert Duyos-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 19, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; Milwaukee Bucks interim head coach Joe Prunty looks on from the sidelines against the Miami Heat at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Robert Duyos-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Joe Prunty

It may have gone grossly unnoticed but Milwaukee Bucks top assistant Joe Prunty did an excellent job leading the team when head coach Jason Kidd opted to have hip surgery in the middle of the 2015-16 NBA season. While Milwaukee failed to meet lofty expectations this past season, Prunty might be ready for a bigger role with another team.

In some ways, the Bucks and the Magic have similarly constructed rosters. Both teams have players with high upside that could conceivably become defensive juggernauts. Yes, the offensive part of the game for both clubs remains an enigma, but a star could ascend on that end of the floor in 2016-17. Milwaukee’s point forward Giannis Antetokounmpo seems poised for an All-Star caliber year, as does Orlando’s center Vucevic.

With Kenny Atkinson taking over the Brooklyn Nets and Luke Walton leaving the Golden State Warriors for the Los Angeles Lakers after probably the 2016 NBA Finals, Prunty might be the most intriguing assistant coach that could become a head coach in 2016-17.

He just did a great job of keeping composure in utter chaos in Milwaukee last season. While Kidd struggled at his job the entire year, it felt like Prunty had both the patience and the even keel to coach an up-and-coming NBA team. Orlando may look for a more marquee name as the next head coach, but if the Magic want to target an NBA assistant, Prunty should be the guy they tab an interview with in the coming weeks.

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