NBA Update: Orlando Magics Coach Stan Van Gundy comes out to defend Dwight Howard
Stan Van Gundy, the Orlando Magic coach, is one man who certainly likes to speak a piece of his mind, whether it creates a stir or not.
The latest addition in the long list of his verbose episodes comes in the shape of a vehement defence of his ace player Dwight Howard. Howard was banned for a game after he committed his 16th technical foul of the season
on Friday night against the Chicago Bulls. With the Bulls leading 43-29 late in the second quarter, Howard was hit on the top of his head by Kyle Korver as Howard came down with an offensive rebound.
Korver was immediately whistled for a foul. However, he took a swipe at the ball moments after the play which prompted Howard to swing his elbows in frustration. Referee Ed Malloy stepped in to separate them and also called a technical
on Howard.
The fouling trouble forced Howard to miss the game against the Portland Trail Blazers on Monday. His punishment doesn’t finish there. For every two technicals he receives the remainder of the season he also must sit out a game.
This was one action by NBA, which did not go down well with Stan Van Gundy.
His defence of Howard was provoking to say the least. When asked whether they will file any case regarding this matter in the league office.
Van Gundy said: "This is the system David Stern and his minions like it. So that's the system you have...I certainly can't have an opinion because David Stern, like a lot or leaders we've seen in this world lately, don't really
tolerate other people's opinion or free speech or anything. So I'm not really allowed to have an opinion. So it's up to him.
"He decides and he likes the system he has.''
Van Gundy said Howard looked more in command on the court as compared to the last season regardless of receiving the league's first suspension. Van Gundy gave the reference of Elias Sports Bureau statistic on Monday in which Howard
has been fouled 593 times this season none of those was considered as deliberate. Van Gundy said Howard has resolved his previous problems when he used to get a lot of arguing calls. Last month, he has gotten just two.
Howard himself appeared very disappointed at the latest ban. Speaking to reporters, he said.
"It's very tough, but I've just got to do it. I think it's like they want to make an example out of me, but I'll just stay positive and continue to do all the things that I do to bring fun to the game. That's all I can do. I'm
not a bad guy. I'm not a hothead because I get techs, and I think that's the message that people want to put across.''
The Rule:
According to the rules of NBA, a player will be suspended for a game once he receives his 16th technical foul during a regular season. Once 16th foul is received, players become more cautious because the player or coach
will be automatically suspended for another game, if the player commits further two technical fouls during that particular season.
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