Heyyyyy world!!! Ya’ll watch us get a big win in Boston against the Celtics on ESPN? Hope you did because we played like champions, really working on defense and making clutch plays when we had to. It was kind of an ugly game, but all that really matter is getting that W.
A lot was made the last couple of days about the talk me and Coach Van Gundy had. He came to me and asked why I thought we were struggling with our energy and lacking some enthusiasm. I tried to keep it real and be as honest as I could. I just told him it was tough dealing with the expectations and all the injuries that we’ve had with him being so negative to us all the time.
He asked me what my opinion was and it wasn’t like I went in there complaining to him. I know that coach wants the nothing but the best for us, but he does kind of bash us at times and it hurts the team, I think.
Stan is a great guy and he’s going to continue to stay on us and I don’t want him to stop that. I just told him that as a team we have a lot of new guys who aren’t used to the way that he coaches and sometimes it’s just a matter of how you deal with them. I can take somebody talking bad to me and him yelling at me or whatever, but you have to deal with certain people different ways. Some of the new guys just aren’t used to having a coach as active as Stan.
I think us talking like that was the best way to handle it. Me being the leader of the team and being able to talk to coach and talk to the team, it was really good. We’re like a family and we’re going to have problems but if we continue to grow we should be great going to the end of the season.
Me and coach have always had a great relationship. No matter if we were fighting with one another we could always come back and talk to one another. That’s what it’s supposed to be like. We’ve grown over the years and it’s only continued to get better. Like I told Stan the first time he got here: I’ll always be his soldier and whatever he needs me to do or wants me to do I’ll do it.
Glad I could explain to ya’ll my side of things. Hit me back with some feedback and let me know whatcha think. Cause I think it was a good step in the right direction for us as a team. And we did play better against Boston, so maybe it did help.
—D-12
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Tags: 2010 NBA Season, Boston Celtics, Dwight Howard Blog, ESPN, Stan Van Gundy
Hi Dwight,
I’m torn on this one. I mean, I’m glad things worked out the way they did–you guys playing with more motivation and all, but some things need to be considered. For example, Stan has been really critical of the team’s play but that shouldn’t affect your efforts. You guys are professionals, which means, whether you’re sad or happy, you bring the best game that you have to offer EVERY TIME you step on the floor. I know you’re human, and I get that you need positive feedback. But I can also understand why Stan doesn’t celebrate 20+ turnovers, his center fouling a PG on the perimeter, etc. People make mistakes of course and all is forgiven. Just don’t expect the ONE person (Stan) who expects the most from you (b/c he knows your potential and what you’re capable of) to be “okay” with it. Again, I’m so glad to read that you and Stan (and the team) have a relationship where you can communicate and keep team morale high, and I’m even more glad to know that it worked out favorably (you guys playing with more energy). What I don’t like about the situation is that it was necessary to begin with. Some analysts, other NBA teams, and especially Cavs fans don’t think that the Magic is a good enough team to win it all. With that said, there will be much more criticism to come even when you have the best record in the league. So continue to play hard with the championship in mind and don’t worry about who said what b/c in the end, action speaks louder than words–even Stan’s negative words. PS…Great win against the most arrogant team in the league!!!
Heeyy Dwight. I think you did what was best by being yourself, being real, and being honest. Those are the traits of a good leader and good man. Love u! Be Blessed.
Being an NBA fan for over 25 years (since I was 6 watching the Knicks), a Magic fan since you were drafted (my decision on being a Magic fan rested on if the organization would draft you for the right reasons or Okafer for the wrong), an SVG fan since the Heat, and a Season Ticket holder since late last season, I agreed that we were playing without the same defensive “umf”. Just please follow up in the media and back up SVG, because they are really dogging him. SVG has a passion for the game and a drive to win that is unparralelled. Must be the genetics. After all, his bro held Zo’s leg to get
his player’s back. Van Gundys are ride or die
coaches. Show people that you agree. Go Magic!!!!
YO D12!
I am proud of you and stan for having that talk
i think it shows you both respect each other
its not a coincidence that the team started winning once you and stan came on board
i love you guys and our team
thanks for not being a Diva and for being a warrior for stan and for Orlando
i dont even know if you read this stuff
but this makes me proud to be a magic fan
Good to hear Dwight! i watched the game on ESPN yesterday and you could tell on court between the players that everyone was HAPPY and relaxed and it showed in how we played…. and i also noticed that Stan was still himself on the sidelines but he was Smiling lol…. all in all i think this is something that had to be put to rest before any more games get played, otherwise it could affect the teams ‘W’s and now i think that we got the huge distraction out of the way, the whole team can be exactly that, “a team” and power through the rest of the season and show the NBA that we should be feared …. great leadership on this Dwight,
great win yesterday Dwight… give my congratulations to the team, and hopefully we can get Jameer back to health asap….
great win…. GO MAGIC!
im glad u set it str8 , because people on tv making such a big deal out of it when it really wasn’t .. n nomore excuses for boston dey have k.g n we styll got da w without jameer . lets goo magic !!!
Dwight… It is nice to see your D really starting to pick up! I know the offense will get there but last night really showed what a team player you really are! You did not get as many touches as you should have but you kept working on the defensive end and getting rebounds. Things like that are what make you the best center in the game today and eventually I have no doubt you will be one of the greatest ever. Keep up the good work!
Good to see this stuff being worked through D-12. You have a big following down here in New Zealand! Come down one day, a’ite.
Very well said Dwight, it’s perfectly o.k. to coach a certain way but you have to remember that everybody is different & everyone has feelings. And when your players do a Job Well Done-you have to let them know:-)
First off, GREAT job against the Celts. I’ve been a Magic fan from day 1 and think this and last years team has been the most exciting time for us “Magicteers.” I think that a team leader and coach should have an open and honest line of communication. Yeah he does get a lil excited some time from what I see, but that is pure passion for the game, just like you have. In fact you all have that passion and it shows. Thank you for all your hard work & keep going strong. I know ya’ll will be in the Finals again and you’ll win it.
Its always healthy and good for us as people to get everything out and off our minds in the most compassionate manner,even though sometimes we don’t always say the nicest things to our family members they know we mean well and we know they mean well. I mean if they didn’t care they wouldn’t tell us anything…lol. I think Stan appreciates what you did as well as the team. I always say no battle or war was ever won in our history of time by any army that faught amongst themselves, united you stand or divided toy fall. Keep up the good work, i will continue to support this team WIN or lose…lol…GO GO Gadget WIINNNN
divided you fall…lol my bad…typing too fast
Dwight,
I am alittle tore as I saw someone else wrote earlier. I think you did the right thing because honesty is the best policy and by expressing how you and the team are feeling now will nip thing in the bud from the onset. But I feel that when Stan says things that are negative they aren’t person character attacks or anything but he knows the teams potential and is trying to provoke you to reach that goal. You are right though that some people are not used to that style of leadership, but allow it to work. He could stand to be alittle more positive but this should not be the teams motivation. You as a team leader can continue to do what you do in motivating but let Stan be the one to try and pull out that greatness in each of you.
The fact of the matter is that you guys have the talent to go all the way. You all should continue to trust each other and when playing each game give it all you got every game. Sometimes watching on TV I can see the frustration when the refs are making those bad calls at times, but when those things happen you must play harder and press through it. Yall are champions just keep your heads up and if possible please try and keep yall conversations among yourselves, because you know once the media gets a hold of things, it has a tendency to get blown out of proportion. You all are like a family, a team, try and keep things in the locker room.
Yall have big supporters up the road in Daytona Beach
I’m keeping you all in my prayers that you guys get and stay healthy.
Go Magic!!!!!!
Hey Dwight, the talk was necessary and you did the right thing. If you want to be like a family then you should do in the future as well. The sooner you talk about the problems the sooner they solve and you guys will grow and be the best! Proud to be a Magic fan! Great game btw especially the facial on KP43! Keep up the good work! A lot of Magic fans in Europe!
I love your honesty and maturity. It’s good to communicate with your coach so there will be no unspoken animosity. You are a stand-up guy, and it’s great to see than in a young player. I hope the season continues to be successful. Much love to you. Be safe.
Dwight I agree with you. You and your team are getting better.
I love You
I just read the Bill Russell book “Red and Me” and that story reminds me so much of the relationship Mr. Russell had with his legendary coach. I love it. Keep those lines of communication open and respectable on both sides and you’ll be just fine.
It says alot about who you are that you speak honestly, yet kindly, even when it’s hard to… I hope you choose to keep that about you. It’s part of what makes you special. In the Mavs own team vote for all-stars, Dirk Nowitzki said he thought you were the best center in the league. Now that’s saying something. Your drive, your willingness to put yourself out there and deliver – it shows. It will come back to you in good ways. You make it all look so easy…
i love you dwight..u did the right thing…GO MAGIC!
Hi Dwight,
Honesty is the best policy. Keeping it real are words to live by. Stan Van Gundy is a great coach and you are a humble and great player. What doesn’t break you will only make you stronger. Trust in yourself, your team, your coach and God and everything will work out in the end. Remember…God is in control.
Kim
Communication is the key to all relationships, professional and personal. Its even more essential when you have an opportunity to do something great and must rely on a group or team to accomplish greatness. Together, you and Stan sit on the verge of greatness. Keep working hard, fighting every night and communicating always. And this season ticket holder will keep cheering hard every game!
I believe my charity is on the verge of greatness. Check it out and tell me what you think: http://www.cleantheworld.org
[...] You can read that here. [...]
Thanks for letting us know what really went down. I think the media blows everything up and makes things worse than it is. They always do that and those of us who have delt with media in the past know that.
hey,Dwight,im your big big fans ,from Macao,since you was drafted by the Magic. I keep reading your blog all the time,I know you are a Christian as im and i met you in Mediterranean Hotel,Guangzhou in 2006,i know you have forgotten me,but i will never never never forget you,and i truly believe thats god’s plan till today^^ the talk between you and Stan reminds me of the talk between you and me, “hey,i know you’re a basketball player” you said,”how do you know?”,i was surprised, and you said:”i saw you play” “what?? really?” “nope (then a big smile) ,hahaha” -DH12, and then you gave me five,i really remember that feeling i touched your hands
im looking foward to seeing your reply everyday, its just like another dream come true if u finally reply me.
God Bless you,
Hongkei
Macao,China
HEY DWIGHT,
SO GLAD TO HEAR YOUR SIDE OF THE STORY. I USED TO RUN TRACK WHEN I WAS IN JUNIOR HIGH AND HIGH SCHOOL AND MY COACH YOU TO DO A LOT OF SCREAMING AS WELL. AT THE END OF THE DAY I RUN FOR ME NOT HIM OR ANYBODY ELSE SO AFTER AWHILE IT REALLY DIDN’T BOTHER ME TOO MUCH.
HOWEVER, VAN GUNDY HAS TO REALIZE THAT HE’S COACHING MEN NOT BOYS. YOU GUYS ARE NOT IN HS ANYMORE BUT IN THE NBA. I’M GLAD YOU GUYS TALKED IT OUT. BEING HONEST AND COMMUNICATING EFFECTIVELY IN ANY RELATIONSHIP IS KEY.
KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK. C’MON LET’S GET THAT ‘SHIP!!!
GOD BLESS !
I think it was handled exceptionally well, with maturity and honesty. I love it. thanks Dwight for being an NBA role model, and to Coach, for being humble and admitting when he is wrong