The Milwaukee Bucks, who would have a proud basketball history, if only they’d disbanded after Don Nelson left town, just hired Scott Skiles as their next head coach. Not only was it awkward in that he’s really good friends with the guy he’s replacing, but really…. Scott Skiles?
I loved Scott Skiles, the player. I must admit that I loved Scott Skiles, the coach, when he began that phase of his basketball life. I thought he got a raw deal in Phoenix where his reign ended much too soon for my taste. I was happy to see him get the Bulls job. He did well there. His teams made the playoffs in something like three out of four years. (You want exact stats, go to ESPN. No whining please.)
Then, this year, the wheels came off. After not making a significant trade during the off season, the Bulls still seemed primed for another good year in the NBA’s Eastern Conference. They fell far, far short of that. In fact, they may have been the most disappointing team in the league. Skiles got the axe. Deservedly so, I thought, even though I am as we’ve established a major Skiles fan.
I was eager to see Skiles get another chance. Just… not so soon. I wanted him to earn it. Maybe it’s karma making up for the raw deal he got with the Suns years ago, but I can’t help but feel that this was an extremely unimagivative pick by the Bucks.
I will never understand how some guys get chance after chance, while others seem to get one and are done forever as head coaches.
Congratulations to Scott Skiles, he’s officially become part of the coaching treadmill. It’s a proud day to be a Skiles fan…
