Jeff Van Gundy rips Orlando Magic CEO Alex Martins and Dwight Howard - NBA Update
Jeff Van Gundy, brother Of Stan Van Gundy the ex-Orlando Magic coach who was fired earlier this week, has scorched Orlando Magic executive Alex Martins on his decision.
Jeff said that Martins has no knowledge about the game and his justification for firing his brother is mere rhetoric. He bluntly bashed Magic’s CEO while talking to ESPN Radio.
"Listen, all you have done in your 25 years in the business is release press releases and run the business side," Van Gundy said. "You don't know if a ball is blown up or stuffed”.
It is no secret that Van Gundy’s and Orlando’s golden boy Dwight Howard’s interpersonal relations went beyond repairing point. One of the two had to take the fall and after what happened before the trade deadline it became evident
that the franchise has a clear leverage towards Howard.
Stan went public and disclosed the intractability( saying that Howard wants him fired) in front of press conference, the situation became more interesting when Dwight walked into the conference and stood next to Van, pretending
nothing happened.
It is said that, that was the escalation point and sources even claim that Howard presented the front office with a wish list of coaches with whom he would like to play. Keeping the said facts in mind it can be understood that
he pressurized the CEO to fire Stan. Though Howard and Martins both denies that but Jeff brushed that claim aside.
“To try to make everyone believe that Dwight Howard didn't have a part in this is absurd," Jeff Van Gundy said. "Just say, 'we fired this guy because we feel this is our best chance to keep Dwight Howard. Dwight Howard and I decided
to fire him.' To do anything else is playing a game of semantics."
The Dwight trade saga took its toll on Otis Smith, Orlando’s GM for basketball operations as he was fired along with Van Gundy.
This is an unprecedented situation, never before the franchise hierarchy has taken a fall for one single player, Howard. Interestingly his own future with the franchise is not confirmed. He has 1 year left on his contract and there
are vibes that he will ask for a trade earlier.
Martins decision has gathered huge criticism from all over. Van Gundy was one of the best coaches in the league he was having a great run with Magic. Under his stewardship Magic were 259-135 and he steered them into the playoffs
each of the 5 years.
His brother Jeff also lashed out Alex on his unprofessionalism, as he waited till Van left the office and broke the news over the phone, telling him he was fired.
Jeff is currently working as an ESPN analyst and has formally coached New York Knicks and Houston Rockets. He has been a great support to his brother throughout the season and has been raising his voice in Van’s favour.
Tags: