The Magic announced this week that they fired GM Otis Smith and head coach Stan Van Gundy. While there has been very little information about the potential replacements, one report says former Magic center Shaquille O’Neal could meet with the team to talk about the GM job. Yes, that Shaq.
According to Chris Broussard, Shaq, who was drafted by the Magic and played for them from 1992-96, is being considered for a role in the front office. The Magic believe Shaq could be instrumental in trying to retain Dwight Howard who will be a free agent after the season.
Yes, I know what you’re thinking: Aren’t Shaq and Howard enemies? Apparently not.
Broussard reports that the “two privately have a friendly relationship and often send text messages to one another.” Shaq reportedly has been a confidante for Howard this season, and they apparently bonded over their issues with Stan Van Gundy, who also coached O’Neal in Miami.
Well that certainly explains all of Howard’s odd behavior this season.
Shaq is a clown whose specialty is marketing, publicity, and being funny. His only interactions with management during his playing days were when he yelled at Lakers owner Jerry Buss “pay me” during training camp. None of that qualifies him as a salary cap or personnel expert, so I’m not sure what Orlando is thinking.
