Brew Hoop - Skiles out, Hammond extension in the worksMilwaukee Bucks News and Analysis Since 2007https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/47773/brewhoop_fave.png2013-01-08T18:20:15-06:00http://www.brewhoop.com/rss/stream/36140112013-01-08T18:20:15-06:002013-01-08T18:20:15-06:00Balancing hope and apprehension post-Skiles
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<figcaption>Mike Zarrilli</figcaption>
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<p>Cutting ties with head coach Scott Skiles wasn't a shocking move by the Bucks, but it did happen rather suddenly. Bucks fans are now left wondering if things could possibly change for the better in this "new" era.</p> <p>My immediate thought upon hearing the none-too-surprising news that <span>Scott Skiles</span> had left his position as head coach was that the Bucks had resigned themselves to at least the <i>possibility</i> of a lost season, and were considering major changes to break from their prison of mediocrity. Firing the coach is generally an early indication that a struggling team is looking to move in a new direction, and mired in a four-game skid featuring some truly dreadful play, the Bucks are definitely struggling.</p>
<p>Such a knee-jerk reaction might have been fair, but it was hardly universal. Others contended Skiles' departure was a sign the Bucks were as dedicated as ever to their pursuit of even a fringe playoff bid, and that Skiles had in fact been an <i>obstacle</i> toward that end. And indeed, as more and more stories poured in (it's been a busy day for the Bucks), my reaction looked more and more unfounded. The appointment of <span>Jim Boylan</span>, who has served as an assistant under Scott Skiles in three different organizations, as interim head coach maintains a great deal of continuity. Bucks officials were adamant in press conferences that faith in this roster remained resolute, and <a href="https://twitter.com/Bucks/status/288693165408518145" target="_blank">reaching the playoffs was still the ultimate goal</a>. And reports that GM John Hammond is in contract extension talks with Herb Kohl made it clear the current regime, the current way of doing things, is not too far from the vision of the Bucks' senatorial owner.</p>
<p>The significant subset of <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.brewhoop.com/">Milwaukee Bucks</a> fandom who were unhappy with both Scott Skiles' coaching performance and the team's water-treading are surely experiencing mixed feelings. And the rest, residing on both sides of the divide, are likely equal parts confused, excited, and terrified, feelings they are thankfully well-accustomed to as Bucks fans.</p>
<p>There is a multitude of questions yet to be answered after the Bucks' midnight mayhem. Not just the <a href="http://www.bucksketball.com/2013/01/three-questions-that-need-answering-now-that-scott-skiles-is-gone/" target="_blank">pertinent ones about the roster on hand</a>, but fundamental questions about why Scott Skiles and the Bucks couldn't cooperate toward, or even agree on, a singular pursuit.</p>
<p>All this being said, there's no overwhelming reason to believe the remainder of this season will play out like the summer after Fear the Deer. The organization has repeatedly voiced its satisfaction with the play of <span>Brandon Jennings</span> and <span>Monta Ellis</span>, making it seem unlikely either will be replaced by a high-priced veteran with chemistry issues. And while many of Milwaukee's frontcourt players are limited, the sheer number of them precludes another addition. If the team is to be improved, it's likely to be on the wings, be it a backup shooting guard or starting small forward. Boylan did<i> </i>deliver us <a href="http://www.brewhoop.com/2013/1/1/3823176/forward-thinking-luc-mbah-a-moute-ersan-ilyasova-and-the-common-sense" target="_blank">the exact starting lineup we asked for</a> in <a href="http://www.brewhoop.com/2013/1/8/3849198/suns-vs-bucks-preview-milwaukee-coach-scott-skiles" target="_blank">tonight's game against the Phoenix Suns</a>, suggesting he's not outright opposed to using Luc Mbah a Moute at the three more often. Bringing in another player for either role would likely mean thinning the forward/center ranks, something many have asked for anyway. Thankfully, players like <span>Larry Sanders</span> have made playing to win and developing talent easier tasks to reconcile.</p>
<p>Truthfully, the reports of a contract extension in the works for John Hammond should only <i>remove</i> one frightening element from the whole puzzle: if Hammond's future is once again tied to the future of the organization, not just the immediate present, there's much less incentive to mortgage tomorrow for a reckless pursuit today. Any one person's feelings on a Hammond extension will logically be swayed by his or her opinion of the job he's done, but at least there would be less of a conflict of interest in play were an agreement reached.</p>
<p>Unfortunately, while roster tinkering and coach swapping might be high-profile moves that draw headlines, they may serve to do little more than distract from the ever-present specter of the owner's all-in mandate. And have no doubt, ownership has a mandate in place, even if those in charge are reluctant to call it one. There were some who openly wondered whether Skiles was on board with the Bucks' perennial playoff push, since all it ever gave him was a <a href="http://www.bucksketball.com/2013/01/scott-skiles-and-the-exhausting-nightly-battle-for-perfection/" target="_blank">roster lacking in not just star power</a>, but in players interested in or capable of growing together into a cohesive, high-performing unit. What if Skiles was fed up with spinning tires and felt there was no changing the path of the team he was expected to lead? If he was willing to give up one of the precious few NBA head coaching positions as a result, then fans can hardly be blamed for fearing what might come next, because it might be exactly what they've lamented since Skiles' last successful season.</p>
<p>I maintain that letting go of Skiles clears the way for a more aggressive rebuild: it was never likely he would survive a teardown, and getting the fire-the-coach step out of the way sooner doesn't detract from its necessity. But after the twinge of intriguing thought that comes with the notion of a Bucks figurehead walking out the door, I can't pretend to be certain what will follow. All I can do, all any of us can do, is wait and hope.</p>
https://www.brewhoop.com/2013/1/8/3852642/scott-skiles-john-hammond-milwaukee-bucks-staffDan Sinclair2013-01-08T11:53:51-06:002013-01-08T11:53:51-06:00Bucks, Hammond in talks for extension
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<figcaption>Mary Langenfeld-US PRESSWIRE</figcaption>
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<p>One day after parting ways with head coach Scott Skiles, a report indicated that the Bucks are in talks with GM John Hammond on a contract extension.</p> <p>Essentially <i>hours</i> after agreeing to end <span>Scott Skiles</span>' tenure as head coach of the <a href="https://www.brewhoop.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Milwaukee Bucks</a>, General Manager John Hammond confirmed at his press conference announcing Skiles' departure that he had been in discussions with owner Herb Kohl on his own contract extension:</p>
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<p>The Senator and I are in the process of discussing a contract extension - GM John Hammond on his status with the #Bucks</p>
— Nick Monroe (@nmonroe) <a data-datetime="2013-01-08T17:07:14+00:00" href="https://twitter.com/nmonroe/status/288693490915897345">January 8, 2013</a>
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<p>Like Skiles, Hammond entered this season in the final year of his contract with little to no discussion of an extension. But while Skiles' fate has felt almost inevitable since last summer, Hammond's future was tougher to pin down. Now it appears the Bucks want to keep their GM, which would be the first indication of Kohl committing to much of anything beyond the end of the season. Hammond took over for Larry Harris near the end of the 2007-2008 season and hired Skiles shortly thereafter.</p>
<p>It's worth noting that Hammond was also rumored to be eyeing a change in scenery last summer. The <a href="https://www.blazersedge.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Portland Trail Blazers</a> were reportedly interested in interviewing him for their GM position (and an accompanying bump in salary), but <a href="http://www.brewhoop.com/2012/5/8/3006178/blazers-denied-permission-gm-john-hammond-luc-mbah-a-moute-carlos-delfino-brandon-jennings" target="_blank">the Bucks did not grant Portland permission to interview Hammond</a>.</p>
<p>Hammond also clarified that Skiles' assistant Jim Boylan will not be an "interim" coach, but rather head coach until the season ends. That's largely a semantic difference, though it would seem to imply that the Bucks will not look to hire a new coach until the summer. That was always a good bet given the accompanying uncertainty around Hammond and the rest of the front office, not to mention that a new coach would likely want to hire his own staff as well.</p>
https://www.brewhoop.com/2013/1/8/3851264/gardner-gm-john-hammond-in-talks-for-contract-extension-with-bucksDan Sinclair2013-01-08T01:23:44-06:002013-01-08T01:23:44-06:00Jennings reacts to Skiles' departure on Twitter
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<figcaption>Grant Halverson</figcaption>
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<p>Scott Skiles' sudden departure caught many in the Bucks organization by surprise, and the starting point guard took to Twitter to thank his coach.</p> <p>Despite the earlier rumors that Scott Skiles would not seek a contract extension with the Milwaukee Bucks after this season, the (reportedly) mutual decision by both parties to part ways caught many by surprise. The Bucks' starting point guard was no exception.</p>
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<p>Coach skiles love the way he Approached the game. Believed in me since I was a rookie, gave me the rock since day one. Thanks for everything</p>
— BRANDON JENNINGS (@justryod3) <a data-datetime="2013-01-08T05:51:58+00:00" href="https://twitter.com/justryod3/status/288523419195154433">January 8, 2013</a>
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<p>There's no doubt Brandon Jennings and Scott Skiles' relationship has been a key factor in the Bucks' performance over the past three-plus seasons. Handing the keys to Jennings from day one was a bold move that seemed to quickly put the Bucks in a strong position to compete in the Eastern Conference. But Jennings' improvement has since tailed off, and questions have been increasingly raised as to how well the mercurial guard could execute Skiles' preferred system, especially in the context of Milwaukee's seemingly unbalanced roster.</p>
<p>Despite the many lingering questions, it's nice to see all parties appear amicable.</p>
https://www.brewhoop.com/2013/1/8/3849988/brandon-jennings-reacts-to-skiles-departure-on-twitterDan Sinclair2013-01-08T00:59:55-06:002013-01-08T00:59:55-06:00Jim Boylan tabbed as interim head coach
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<figcaption>David Richard-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Following the Bucks' agreement to part ways with head coach Scott Skiles, Jim Boylan will reportedly assume head coaching duties.</p> <p>Following the sudden departure of <span>Scott Skiles</span> from his head coaching position with the <a href="https://www.brewhoop.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Milwaukee Bucks</a>, the team needed to appoint a replacement for their upcoming game against the <a href="https://www.brightsideofthesun.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Phoenix Suns</a>. It appears the Bucks have already appointed Skiles' successor, and not just for the immediate future:</p>
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<p>Milwaukee has made assistant <span>Jim Boylan</span> its interim coach, league source tells Y! Sports.</p>
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@WojYahooNBA) <a href="https://twitter.com/WojYahooNBA/status/288520692868198400" data-datetime="2013-01-08T05:41:08+00:00">January 8, 2013</a>
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<p>Boylan will coach the rest of the season.</p>
— Gery Woelfel (@GeryWoelfel) <a data-datetime="2013-01-08T06:00:33+00:00" href="https://twitter.com/GeryWoelfel/status/288525578456403969">January 8, 2013</a>
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<p>This isn't the first stint as a replacement head coach in Boylan's career. In fact, it isn't his first time replacing Scott Skiles. After Skiles was fired by the <a href="https://www.blogabull.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Chicago Bulls</a> during the 2007-2008 season, Boylan took over as interim head coach. The Bulls finished that season 24-32 under Boylan and missed the playoffs. When Chicago elected not to retain him, Boylan joined Skiles as an assistant in Milwaukee.</p>
https://www.brewhoop.com/2013/1/8/3849966/jim-boylan-to-assume-head-coaching-dutiesDan Sinclair2013-01-08T00:03:57-06:002013-01-08T00:03:57-06:00Report: Skiles, Bucks parting ways immediately
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<figcaption>USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The Bucks' head coach was fired after five seasons in Milwaukee. </p> <p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.brewhoop.com/">Milwaukee Bucks</a> and head coach <span>Scott Skiles</span> agreed to part ways on Monday, <a href="https://twitter.com/sam_amick/status/288518012712128512" target="_blank">according to USA Today's Sam Amick</a>.</p>
<p>The Bucks have struggled to a 16-16 record during the 2012-13 season and are coming off a significant loss at the hands of the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.indycornrows.com/">Indiana Pacers</a> on the road on Saturday. The Bucks are currently third in the NBA's Central Division. They've been particularly bad on offense, where they are ranked 27th out of 30 teams in offensive rating with a mark of 101.8 points per 100 possessions.</p>
<p>In 13 seasons as an NBA head coach, Skiles has compiled a 443-433 record and a .506 win percentage. He has been with the Bucks since the 2008-2009 season. Previously, he spent 2003 to 2007 with the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.blogabull.com/">Chicago Bulls</a> and three with the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.brightsideofthesun.com/">Phoenix Suns</a> from 1999-2002.</p>
<p>Skiles is no stranger to being dismissed from a head coaching role. The Bulls fired Skiles on Christmas Eve in 2008.</p>
<p><i>This story was originally published at <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/2013/1/8/3849818/scott-skiles-fired-milwaukee-bucks-coach%20%20">SBNation.com</a>.</i></p>
https://www.brewhoop.com/2013/1/8/3849872/scott-skiles-fired-milwaukee-bucks-coach-2012SB Nation NBA News