Stan Van Gundy – The Master of Panic Returns
“I know for a fact that he’s a master of panic, and when it gets time for his team to go in the postseason and do certain things, he will let them down because of his panic. I’ve been there before, I’ve played for him.” – Shaquille O’Neal on Stan Van Gundy- March 4, 2009
At the Orlando Magic shootaround yesterday, Stan Van Gundy revealed to the Orlando and NBA press that he knows from sources within the Orlando Magic organization that All-Star center Dwight Howard has asked for him to be fired.
Van Gundy’s ”liberation” moment has opened another chapter in the simmering Dwight Howard/Orlando Magic saga that seemed to cool down Howard said that he would return for next season instead of seeking a trade. Obviously, Van Gundy was more concerned about getting camera time instead of trying to put the brakes on a Magic losing streak that has reached five games. Last night the Magic were thumped at home by the NY Knicks 96-80, Dwight Howard went scoreless in the first half and finished with only eight points and eight rebounds in nearly 40 minutes of action.
I’m curious as to why Van Gundy made a b-line for the practice floor once Howard came on the scene and didn’t stick around to hear the obvious barrage of questions that Howard was going to face in lieu of his comments.
What’s even more disturbing is that Van Gundy is being made the victim and Howard the scapegoat. If Howard was man enough to voice his displeasure in Orlando and backpedal on that by returning next season shunning the offer of ownership to have a say in who stays and who goes at the end of this season, who’s to say that this unnamed source isn’t just playing with Van Gundy’s head – allowing him to cut his own rope.
Yeah, that was a bit odd of a presser. I just don’t like “sources”, where ever they come from. On a side note, I did see a stat on ESPiNners that listed the top-4 teams in terms of wins from I think ’07-present…no need to list just who was #4.
Complete garbage out of the mouth of Stan Van Gundy yesterday. Throws players and management under rthe bus and gets the victim treatment from the media. Not surprising.
I remember when Stephon Marbury “liberated” himself by telling the truth about his poor treatment from Isiah Thomas and, especially, Mike D’Antoni. But, as we know, Marbury did not get the benefit of the doubt from the press. Such care and concern is extended mostly to the middlle aged white men of the NBA, in part because they are being reported on by other middle aged white men, primarily.
Disgusting.
Glad to see and hear a player’s perspective last night on TNT, finally, which rightfully referred to Van Gundy’s actions as “Bush League.”
Sorry for the double post, but lastly, if Van Gundy is so “refreshingly honest,” then why not name the “source” in management who told him of Howard’s demand? He was asked directly for the source both during the shootaround and the post game presser. Both times his voice raised an octave and he became very defensive.
Bottom line: he’s playing the same silly game of dishonesty that the rest of these Magic Kingdon clowns are playing, including Howard. He certainly does not deserve any kudos for his “honesty.”
Ok ok triple post! I’m reaching Origin levels now! LOL you know I’m just joking, my brother!
Just want to say that I’m waiting for the announcement of his termination to come later today. I mean, he has to get fired now, right? Seems to be what he wants. After all, he did say that if management fired him, he had plenty of stuff to do at the crib.. lol
@TLP when you go to the lengths that he did yesterday and you know your ass is out the door you name everyone involved period.
I think he’s gone within a matter of hours myself.
Yup.
Tell you the truth, God knew what he was doing when he did NOT make me 6 foot 11 and 265 lbs, because I would NEVER suffer these fools the way most of our professional Black athletes do.
Instead of Howard coming out and draping his arm around pudgy lil Gundy’s shoulder, he shoulda smacked em lol! And instead of grimacing, saying “no comment” and “next question” after the game, while all these smug-ass muckraking reporters played passive-aggressive with him, he should have been man enough to stand behind his words and explain why he doesn’t want to play for Van Gundy. After Gundy’s disgusting display earlier that day, his point could have been clearly understood, even by sycophant, duplicitous white reporters (and their desperate black lackies)..
LP,
I hear you! When are these black athletes going to learn that no matter how much you smile, how big your grin, these media clowns are not on your side.
If I read one more article about SVG’s “martyrdom” and “revolution”, I’ m going postal. lol. SVG pulled a stunt that would’ve and should’ve gotten him fired in almost any other job situation but yet the media is covering for him like he did something heroic. Bull!