Culpability Resides with SVG

This article is in response to Can Stan? Really?? Maybe We Should Blame it on Kryptonite Instead.

The person most responsible for the Magic’s downfall this postseason is SVG- STAN VAN GUNDY. He might look like a teddy bear, but he bares more of a resemblance to Ron Jeremy. The uproar of getting rid of Van Gundy did not start after their most recent 4th quarter melt down; it actually started when they struggled down the stretch of the regular season which then started to translate in the postseason.

Let me start off by first thanking SVG for the job he has done with the organization. I believe he is a good coach, and the wins differential from his tenure with the organization proves that without a shadow of doubt. He brought some new life to the organization that was treated like some ugly girl that no one wanted to touch….I’m talking to you Mr. Billy Donovan. (Also, I believe Billy Donovan is on crack if he thinks the University of Florida program is better than the University of Kentucky program.)

SVG made the Magic relevant again in the NBA; however, to think that he made the team of players into superstars is ABSURD. Did he really do a fine job with Hedo or did Hedo finally get the playing time he deserved (Average playing time in Sacramento 21 mins/game and with Orlando 32 mins/game.) My fellow brown guy also made reference to Rashard Lewis aka the worst max franchise player in NBA history. Rashard Lewis is actually playing worse in Orlando when compared to his Seattle days. In his last few years in Seattle, he was averaging 20pts/game and 6 Rebounds/game. Those numbers are better than his average Orlando Magic numbers. The numbers never lie! With that said, I attribute the much love Rashard has received to being in a market with at least some publicity and actually maturing his game. How many people know that Griffey Jr is playing baseball right now in Seattle?

Now to the player that irks me most, Mr. Skip to my Lou (Rafer Alston). I 100% agree with the my fellow brown guy in that Magic losing Nelson was monumental especially considering the career year he was having. However, to suggest Rafer Alson is a legitimate point guard is irrational. Does a 5:2 assist turnover ratio sound good to you? I do believe Rafer was the best option available, but who isn’t when compared to Tyronn Lue. The one stat that makes me despise Rafer the most and illustrates why Houston traded him besides just the age issue is a 38% field goal percentage. How many shots do you see him take a game and say to yourself ‘DON’T SHOOT THAT,’ because missing open shots is one thing but forcing jumpers and teardrops in the lane is another.

Now to the person the critics believe is mainly responsible, my superhero and yours, Dwight Howard. Dwight needs to take the frustration at his coach and turn it into energy on the court. I agree to be dominant you got to be assertive. Kobe, Lebron, and Wade all dominate NBA games because they make sure when it matters, the ball is in their hands. If you agree Dwight has no offensive game and that he is just good to give the ball to get a double team which enables the 3 point shot, then why would Van Gundy not let Dwight touch the ball for a good 7 minute span in the 4th?

In conclusion, why can’t Magic fans demand a coaching fire? They are more talented than the Celtics, yet display no heart or calmness. The coach’s job is to fire up his group but also to know when to push the players’ buttons. How many times do you see Phil Jackson yelling? Van Gundy did a great job to this point, but why should fans settle for the 2nd round just because they didn’t get there the year before. Maybe the next coach can take them to the next level. How many people believe Jon Gruden is better than Tony Dungy? NOT EVEN CLOSE. Yet, I highly doubt Dungy would have been able to bring a Super Bowl to Tampa.

Just a thought.