They just showed a post game interview after the Magic's loss tonight and Stan Van Gundy criticized Dwight Howard. He said Howard is only concerned about making an impact on the offensive end and isn't getting it done defensively anymore. He said this team needs him to pay more attention to defense and right now he doesn't want to do that. SVG admitted there's a rift between them right now.
That's surprising. Howard has always been so personable, team-oriented and professional. I wonder what is going on?
Focusing too much on preparing for the ASG and the Dunk competition? Maybe he isn't trying as hard because he doesn't want to get injured and miss the festivities.
Up until this year, Dwight has been more of a defensive big man, so it's a bit weird hearing he's not "playing" defense. He has guys like Hedo and Shard doing the work on offense, so he should focus on something the Magic really need, his defensive presence. I'm sure no one minds him scoring 21 ppg but you can't be playing on one side of the court, only. It's real odd that Dwight out of all players is having this issue.
didn't he also hinted that Howard only cares about his stats at one time. I remember reading an interview where he hinted that.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (o.iatlhawksfan @ Feb 12 2008, 12:08 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>didn't he also hinted that Howard only cares about his stats at one time. I remember reading an interview where he hinted that.</div> He sort of hinted to that again in the interview. He said Howard isn't trying on defense unless he gets the ball on offense.
maybe he's right. He sees him in practices and at games, who are we to question what he's saying, when we see far less than he does.
Look at the shot chart. Cleveland did a lot of damage in the paint and got to the line 43 times tonight. I think it's been building up for SVG and wasn't just this game in particular.
What will be interesting though is to see the next game and see if this elevates Howard's game. He is probably using the "call out" as nothing more than a motivation technique. If I were a betting man, I bet Dwight Howard will have a monster game coming up. There is nothing like upseting a giant.
I just watched the game recap...and to JUST call out Dwight Howard is ridiculous. NO ONE tried on defense, it was basically like watching a team full of Malik Allen's attempt to play defense! PLEASE tell me he called out everyone else, too!
Here's a follow up and D12's response. <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'>Orlando Magic Coach Stan Van Gundy admitted he and superstar Dwight Howard "have a conflict" after he briefly benched the all-star center during Monday night's game against the Cleveland Cavaliers after something Howard said. "That's between Dwight and I," Van Gundy said. "His focus isn't where it needs to be. We're not on the same page." Van Gundy said Howard's focus "needs ot be on defense and rebounding," not scoring. "His focus is on the offensive end. He gets discouraged when he doesn't get the ball. We need him to focus on defense and rebounding and that'snot what he wants to do. We got a little bit of a conflict." Howard said he and Van Gundy are "fine" "There are no problems with me and Stan Van Gundy. It's just like when a family has a problem. We're going to have fights and disappointments." Howard said he has to play harder and provide what Van Gundy wants for the team.</div> Source: Orlando Sentinel
