Scott Skiles out as coach of Orlando Magic

In a stunning decision that sent shockwaves throughout the NBA and puzzled many NBA insiders, Scott Skiles has resigned as head coach of the Orlando Magic after one season.

Skiles had doubts about the direction of the team, the team’s culture and the players’ overall mindset, and he clashed at times with General Manager Rob Hennigan.

Reached by phone by the Orlando Sentinel today, Skiles said he would not comment beyond a statement he released through the team.

In that statement, he said: “After much thought and careful consideration, I and I alone, have come to the conclusion that I am not the right head coach for this team. Therefore, effective immediately, I resign my position as head coach of the Orlando Magic. I realize this type of decision can cause much speculation. The reality though is in the first sentence. It is simple and true. Any other rumors are pure conjecture.”

Later in the statement, Skiles added: “I sincerely apologize for any unintended consequences that may adversely affect anyone associated with this decision. The Magic are a world-class organization that employs world-class people. I wish them nothing but great success. I will always be thankful, especially to the DeVos family, for the opportunity.”

During a news conference Thursday afternoon at Amway Center, Hennigan would not say why Skiles quit.

“This is certainly a challenging day for us, an unexpected day,” Hennigan said.

Skiles placed a call to Magic CEO Alex Martins on Wednesday to inform Martins of his decision.

“I’m disappointed more than anything,” Martins said after Hennigan’s news conference. “Scott’s a friend first and foremost. We have a long history together. I was very disappointed when I got the phone call from him yesterday.”

The Magic finished Skiles’ lone season as the head coach with a 35-47 record.

Skiles’ resignation stunned Magic players.

On Twitter, swingman Evan Fournier wrote: “WHAT THE [expletive].”

Also on Twitter, Oladipo wrote: “Im as surprised as anyone else, but I just wanna thank coach skiles for helping us but especially me improve on both ends of the floor this year in my 3rd season. What I learned from him I will keep with me for the rest of my career. I wish him all the best in anything he does.”

Raptors’ Carroll questionable for Game 6

In an injury-filled series, the Toronto Raptors announced forward DeMarre Carroll is questionable for Friday night’s Game 6 against the Miami Heat.

Carroll left Wednesday’s game after bruising his left wrist during the third quarter. Carroll is averaging 11.2 points, 4.6 rebounds and 1.4 steals in the series. The Raptors say he will be treated and evaluated before the tip-off at AmericanAirlines Arena.

“My wrist is great,” Carroll told reporters Thursday. “It’s all right. It’s one of those things. I got positive feedback from the MRI, from the X-ray. If it ain’t broke, with me, I’m ready to play.”

The Raptors, who lead the series three games to two, are already without starting center Jonas Valanciunas, who was ruled out after spraining an ankle in the third quarter of Game 2. Leading scorer DeMar DeRozan is also battling a nagging sore right thumb that has affected his play. He is shooting just 38 percent in the series, but had a game-high 34 points in Game 5.

The Heat already have been without 7-foot center Hassan Whiteside, who is sidelined with a sprained medical collateral ligament in his right knee. Heat cCach Erik Spoelstra said Whiteside continues to receive therapy on his knee, but would not say whether Whiteside is any closer to returning.