Just 52 games into the NBA season — not yet at the All-Star break, and the Orlando Magic have unloaded a sizable amount of talent.
That’s coaching talent.
Thursday’s breaking news was that of Magic CEO Alex Martins and GM Rob Hennigan had decided to cut ties with head coach Jacque Vaughn and assistants Wes Unseld Jr., Brett Gunning and Zack Guthrie. Assistant coach James Borrego will take over as interim head coach.
Magic Relieve Jacque Vaughn of Head Coaching Duties; Name James Borrego as Interim Head Coach: http://t.co/9NCqi7avtO pic.twitter.com/yvk2rVg2gE
— Orlando Magic (@OrlandoMagic) February 5, 2015
Having won only 28.8-percent of their games, at 15-37, and riding a 10-game losing streak, the Magic have been less than mediocre. Considering the quality of young talent on the roster, it should seem reasonable to expect, at least, slightly better results.
CEO Martins admitted that the team isn’t performing as well as they would have liked.
We’re just not where we feel we should be today. We felt like this was the season where we were going to turn the corner. And we haven’t turned the corner.”
Forward Tobias Harris took time to acknowledge the move and thank his, now, former coach.
I want to thank Coach Vaughn for being a first class individual not only to myself, but everyone associated with the Magic. — Tobias Harris (@tobias31) February 5, 2015
ESPN NBA analyst Bruce Bowen seems to have blamed the team’s woes on the youth and inexperience of the roster.
Man, sad to here my guy J Vaughn has been fired by the Magic. He did the best job you can do with such a young group!
— Bruce Bowen (@Bowen12) February 5, 2015
They have the talent to go toe-to-toe with some of the better teams in the league, yet continually fall short. Just Wednesday night, they were hanging around the San Antonio Spurs, playing well enough to give the game drama and keep it interesting, only to fall short in the end, losing 110 to 103.
The Magic have 22 losses by 10 or fewer points; six of those coming by five points or less [including losses to Toronto Raptors, Washington Wizards (2x), and Golden State Warriors (by 1 point)]. Among their 15 wins, they have quality victories over the Atlanta Hawks, Houston Rockets and Chicago Bulls. Not the mark of a team that just can’t play well.
Certainly, coaching has something to do with the problem, just as injuries do. Orlando players have missed a total of 89 games due to injury so far this season. While the team has not officially started their coaching search yet, there are a few names being thrown about already.
Scott Skiles looms as a serious candidate to eventually become Orlando’s head coach, league sources tell Yahoo Sports. — Adrian Wojnarowski (@WojYahooNBA) February 5, 2015
Even coaching great George Karl seems to have taken notice.
Noticing some new followers from Orlando area……
— George Karl (@CoachKarl22) February 6, 2015
An Orlando fan reached out to him on Twitter asking for his help and he kindly responded.
“@NickTheQuick224: Come save us Karl! We’re loaded with young talent they just need some guidance!”<-Definitely some great young talent! — George Karl (@CoachKarl22) February 6, 2015
It will certainly be interesting to see who Orlando looks at to fill the position. Adrian Wojnarowski is reporting that the team may try to resolve their need for a head coach during the All-Star break.
Sources: Real chance Orlando makes move for a new head coach during extended All-Star break, and Scott Skiles is a prominent candidate.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@WojYahooNBA) February 5, 2015
Scott Skiles, if he were brought in to coach, is familiar with Orlando, having played for the Magic from 1989-90 through ’93-94. He has head coaching experience, having coached the Phoenix Suns, Chicago Bulls and Milwaukee Bucks. His career NBA coaching record is 443-433 (.506).
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Michael Brumagin writes the Tweet of the Day for SheridanHoops.com and is also a correspondent for BleacherReport.com. Follow @mbrumagin