By John DentonOct. 26, 2015
ORLANDO – Fans of the Orlando Magic who date all the way back to the inaugural season of 1989 likely remember Scott Skiles most for his fiery demeanor, his craftiness as a passer and his coach-on-the-floor type of basketball smarts.
Those are the traits that allowed the 6-foot-3 Skiles to survive in the NBA as a player for 10 seasons – five of which were with the Magic from 1989-94.
What those same Magic fans aren’t likely to remember, however, was Skiles’ exploits as a defender. And for good reason because the point guard was mostly a nondescript defender and someone who had to use his anticipation and understanding of the game to make up for what he lacked in physical gifts.
Why then, you might wonder, has Skiles become something of a defensive guru in the NBA considering that he’s best known most for his league-record 30-assist game and his offensive exploits? Regardless of where he’s been in the NBA as a coach, Skiles has been the Bill Belichick of basketball with his unyielding demands that players take defense seriously. ``The Skiles Effect,’’ if you will, has been tangible and real everywhere he’s coached.
Whatever the reason for his focus on defense, Skiles’ success in coaching during stops in Phoenix, Chicago and Milwaukee has come because of his ability to get players to buy in on that end of the floor. And when the Magic went looking for a coach last May to instill toughness, provide structure and teach strong habits, Skiles was the no-brainer pick for the job.
Make no mistake about it however: This wasn’t some sappy reunion of Skiles coming back to Orlando because of his past status as a fan favorite. He is here because of his teaching abilities as a coach, particularly on the defensive end of the floor.
So, why you might wonder, has Skiles had so much success on defense when that was far from being his pedigree as a player? In part, it’s come because he takes it seriously and is willing to roll up his sleeves and hold players accountable when needed.
``Not to take anything away from any other coaches, but at this level with how talented the guys are, if you are going to be a really good defensive team it takes a major commitment from the players in time, effort and staying with your schemes,’’ Skiles said. ``Occasionally you will run across players don’t don’t want to do it (defensively) and then you have to hold them accountable. And honestly, there are (coaches) who don’t want to hold players accountable because they don’t want to get into that mess. It can get a little messy sometimes.
``But that’s why I’m excited for this (Magic) team on that (defensive) end of the floor,’’ added Skiles, whose Magic team opens the regular season on Wednesday night at the Amway Center against the Washington Wizards. ``We have a bunch of willing guys who want to do the things we’re teaching them. They have athleticism and youth and I don’t see any reason why we can’t be pretty good on that end.’’
Skiles’ track record as a turnaround artist shows that he certainly knows what he’s talking about. ``The Skiles Effect’’ has been very much real in his 13 years as a head coach. To wit: