In one of the least surprising developments in recent memory, Orlando relieved GM Otis Smith and head coach Stan Van Gundy of their respective duties yesterday, firings that immediately led to Jerry Sloan throwing his hat in the ring to replace Van Gundy. Taking umbrage at SVG being sacked via cell phone, the Orlando Sentinel’s Brian Schmitz all but calls Magic CEO Alex Martins a liar, writing, “anybody who doesn’t think this has everything to do with keeping Howard long-term hasn’t been following one of the most bizarre stories in sports.”|
Martins said Howard wanted no part of evaluating Van Gundy’s job performance. I think Dwight already gave his recommendation several times, although Martins denies Howard ever telling him he wanted Stan pink-slipped.
“Dwight never asked me for Stan to be fired,” Martins said.
But Martins knew. He knew because owner Rich DeVos knew. DeVos told me himself that Howard had gone to management.
The job also requires that you don’t tell the media that the superstar actually wants you fired. Van Gundy did – and that was Stan being Stan.
No other coach in the league was as brutally honest and entertaining. He was funny and fearless and relentless and maniacal.
Every game on the sideline was Shakespeare in the park with Stan. He lived and died with each possession. He worked himself to exhaustion. He wanted to win – more than some of his players did. He defended Howard more than he chastised him.
Did Stan wear on players? Absolutely. Did he make them better? Absolutely.
Given Sloan’s sad ending with D-Will, why on earth would he want to take on D-12?
perhaps because he knows Howard’s already requested a trade. Otherwise, fair point
…and unless you know you’re getting a decent haul for Dwight, why would you want the job?
Totally agree with the title of this post. This is a player’s league. The only coach that could avoid being fired if a player complained is retired (Phil Jackson). I believe Stan went to the media at his breaking point. In the video he says “Dwight Never asked to be part of this decision…” How did Dwight know a “decision” was going to be made for him to say he doesn’t want to be apart of it?! We’re not fools bro.
How did Dwight know a “decision” was going to be made for him to say he doesn’t want to be apart of it?!
it could have been offered it to him rather than him demanding to be part of it.