Orlando Magic on the verge of taking a big decision regarding Stan Van Gundy - NBA Update
When it comes to choosing between a happening player and a charismatic coach, the choice is always difficult to be made. This question, that has been troubling franchises in the past, still looms large with Orlando Magic. Coach
Stan Van Gundy, who had had his good days, but who is currently having his worst, feels his pride and job both are on stake.
The saga that ensued Dwight Howard’s trade (rumours), took its toll on the franchise. On one hand they had to suffer the uncertainty pain as every day before the trade deadline brought a new twist and after the deadline it came
over the player and coach vendetta.
Magic survived the regular season, 37-29 clinching the 6th seed in East, courtesy of Superman (Howard) before he left the team to attend his nagging back injury. But by that time the intractability went beyond repair.
The dissidents (coach and Dwight) went public accusing each other for the plight but the management had a clear leverage towards Howard. The guy went onto to present the front office with a list of coaches he would like to play.
This brought Van into a spot where no coach would ever like to be, naturally the team stood beside Howard and the coach’s charisma and authority over the team started to dwindle. Though it’s not like that the whole bunch was against
him; he has his followers in the team and especially after making it into the playoffs 1st round (without Howard) is a testament of Van’s superior insight and vision.
One such voice that rose in favour of coach was of Ryan Anderson.
I love playing for Stan," said Ryan. "I think he's a great coach. Yeah, he's tough, and he gets on you sometimes, but when he compliments you, it's genuine. These guys really battled for him. He had us playing hard and gave us
great confidence."
Successful or not they did make it into the playoffs. This was the 3rd straight time Van steered Magic into the postseason. Dwight status can never be denied but he doesn’t device the game plan and nor does he puts the
team together. Van Gundy made Magic as one of the potent team in the entire league. Under his stewardship they did something which couldn’t be attained since Shaquille O'Neal’s era - the 2007 division title. Moreover in the past 5 years (besides the Boston
Celtics and Los Angeles Lakers) Magic have won more games than any other franchise.
Imagine the athleticism and towering stature of Howard without a driving force behind him. If Howard is the force Van Gundy is the brains something that the hierarchy should muse upon. The way things stand right now, it is obvious
that they will not reassign Van for another season.
Before they do that they should also think that there is no guarantee for Howard either; he didn’t maroon them this year, but for next season, who knows.
As far the coach is concerned, he is willing to provide his services for another season but, that’s not his call to give.
"I want to come back. But it's not up to me.”
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