Scott Skiles
From Bucks rookie to the coach who led Milwaukee back to the playoffs.
Scott Skiles is a former player and head coach for the Milwaukee Bucks. Originally drafted by the Bucks as the 22nd pick of the 1986 NBA draft, Skiles played his rookie season in Milwaukee before being traded. He later returned to the franchise as head coach on April 21, 2008, leading the team for nearly five seasons.
Quick Facts
- Born
- 5 March 1964
- Birthplace
- La Porte, Indiana, U.S.
- High school
- Plymouth (Plymouth, Indiana)
- College
- Michigan State (1982–1986)
- Draft pick
- 22
- Drafted by
- Milwaukee Bucks
- Career number
- 5, 3, 4
- Career position
- Point guard
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.
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.
More in Coaches, Owners & Staff
Elsewhere in Milwaukee Bucks
Spotted an error? Know more?
Reader corrections go straight into our review queue. Suggest an edit · How this site is sourced