Scott Skiles

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Lore & Background

Skiles' first stint with the Bucks was brief: he made his NBA debut on November 11, 1986, against the Indiana Pacers, recording 2 rebounds and 5 assists in a 102–94 win. He averaged 3.8 points and 3.5 assists in just 13 games off the bench before being traded to the Indiana Pacers on June 21, 1987, for a 1989 second-round pick. Over two decades later, on April 21, 2008, the Bucks signed their former player as the team's new head coach. His first season was marred by injuries to key players Michael Redd and Andrew Bogut, resulting in a 34–48 record. The next season, Skiles led an improving young core—centered on Bogut at center and Brandon Jennings at point guard—to a 46–36 mark. After a gruesome injury to Bogut's right arm on April 3, 2010, Skiles coached his team to a decisive victory over the heavily favored Phoenix Suns. Three days later, the Bucks clinched a playoff berth by beating the Chicago Bulls in Chicago. Skiles' five-year stint ended on January 8, 2013, when he and the Bucks mutually agreed to part ways.

In Their Own Story

The arena lights hummed above the empty court as Scott walked the baseline, his eyes scanning the floorboards that had seen his own sneakers decades prior. He paused near the three-point line, remembering the roar of the crowd when he drove past giants who thought they could stop him. Now, wearing a suit instead of a jersey, he watched young prospects run drills, seeing echoes of his own relentless energy in their movements. 'It's not about height,' he whispered to himself, tracing an imaginary pass with his hand. 'It's about the will to be there when it matters.'

Reader's Guide

Scott Skiles began his NBA career with the Milwaukee Bucks, making his debut on November 11, 1986, against the Indiana Pacers. He averaged 3.8 points and 3.5 assists in 13 games off the bench before being traded to the Indiana Pacers on June 21, 1987. Returning as head coach on April 21, 2008, Skiles led the Bucks through a rebuilding period. His first season (2008–09) ended with a 34–48 record, hampered by injuries to Michael Redd and Andrew Bogut. Skiles finished second in NBA Coach of the Year voting to Scott Brooks of the Oklahoma City Thunder. Skiles' tenure ended on January 8, 2013, when he and the Bucks mutually agreed to part ways after five seasons.

Did You Know?

• Skiles made his NBA debut with the Bucks on November 11, 1986, recording 2 rebounds and 5 assists in a 102–94 win over the Indiana Pacers.
• He was traded by the Bucks to the Indiana Pacers on June 21, 1987, for a 1989 second-round pick.
• Skiles was signed as the Bucks' head coach on April 21, 2008, over two decades after his playing debut with the team.
• Skiles' five-year stint as Bucks head coach ended on January 8, 2013, when he and the team mutually agreed to part ways.