Sources have pointed out that Scott Skiles has emerged as a strong frontrunner in becoming the head coach of Orlando Magic. The general manager to the Magic has carried out discussions on some of the possible candidates but Skiles remains to be the most preferred candidate.

This far, Orlando Magic does not show much inclination into getting a new coach. Sources indicate that soon the team might advance to contract negotiations.

Skiles who is 51 years of age has been a preferred choice to Orlando and the bookies’ favourite. The team has been fond of him since he was playing with them in the 1990s. Skiles is a good fit for the candidacy profile that was privately outlined by Hennigan. They were looking for a coach who has had a successful head-coach experience and have the ability to upgrade Orlando’s defence and accountability.

Skiles has had a successful career with the Phoenix Suns, Milwaukee Bucks and Chicago Bulls. He has worn out his welcome and has only lasted about three seasons with each of these teams. While he coached these teams, he has a record of 443-433 (18-24 playoffs) all these in 13 seasons. Skiles is known in his abilities to assist in turning teams around. He transformed Bulls from a 19 win in 2004 to a 47 win in 2005 in his first of the two seasons he coached the team. During his time in the Bucks, he took the team from 34 wins in 2009 to 46 wins in 2010.

In case Skiles is hired for the job, James Borrego who acted as the interim coach for the team after Jacque Vaughn was fired might be asked to remain as a member of staff acting as an assistant coach. There was a notable improvement under Borrego even though the team finished on their fifth worst record of 25-57.

The Magic organization believes that the team needs to start showing progress in the upcoming season. The expected coaching hire will get the best of the most in Magic’s young members like Aaron Gordon, Nik Vicevic, Victor Oladipo and Elfrid Payton.

Comments from Ben Gordon who was coached by Skiles during his times in Chicago Bulls said that he was tough on young players but it was through this that he became a better player and won his 6^th man of the year award as a rookie.