Dwight Howard gets what Dwight Howard wants. Even though it was a shortened season, basketball fans were constantly bombarded with the drama between Dwight Howard and the Orlando Magic. The Magic constantly tried to appease their superstar who clearly wanted off the team. How badly did the Magic want to keep Howard? Well, enough to fire head coach Stan Van Gundy and GM Otis Smith. Once the season started ending, reports surfaced that Howard wanted Van Gundy gone. Sources said that Howard told Orlando’ front office that he refused to be coached by Van Gundy.
Both sides denied this, but rumors do not just start from nothing especially when Howard acted like a prima donna all season. Orlando was constantly overshadowed with reports of Howard being traded. Well, I guess this just shows that if you are the best player on the team, you get to call the shots. It is funny considering I do not ever recall Michael Jordan refusing to play with anyone or be coached by anyone. Then again, that is comparing apples and oranges with Phil Jackson and Stan Van Gundy.
They’re going to regret firing Van Gundy when Dwight Howard leaves anyway. They’ll have no pieces left when that happens.