If you thought the situation in Orlando might calm down for the remainder of the year now that the trade deadline has passed, it appears you are wrong. Dwight Howard not only did a complete 180-degree turn and insisted he did not want to be traded, but he has also decided to not opt out of his Magic contract after this season. Like Jeff Van Gundy, we believe Howard and the Magic front office must have struck some sort of deal to keep things tame for now. Earlier this week, it was reported that Howard has gone to Orlando’s front office to ask that Stan Van Gundy be fired. Some fans may not believe it, but Van Gundy does.
According to Howard Beck of the New York Times, Van Gundy was asked by a reporter on Thursday if he believed that Howard asked for him to be fired. His response: “Yes, I know he has.” But that’s not all.
As Frank Isola of the NY Daily News reported on Twitter, Howard came out moments later with his fun-loving demeanor, put his arm around Van Gundy and told reporters he never asked for Van Gundy to be fired: “Why would I want Stan to be fired with 12 games left in the season? Who’s gonna be the coach? Brian Schmitz?”
Howard then asked the reporter for his sources, completely unaware that he didn’t need any since Van Gundy just admitted the report was true before Dwight came out and joined the party. To see the video of the hilarious interaction, click here.
Dwight is desperate to look like an innocent, lovable character, but this is the latest stunt with which he has successfully made himself out to be a complete phony. Whether its by way of a firing or resignation, he’s going to get his way and Van Gundy will be gone. Good for Stan for not allowing him to keep his image clean in the process.
