The first of many offseason changes in the NBA occurred today when the Orlando Magic fired coach Stan Van Gundy and mutually agreed with General Manager Otis Smith to part ways. Van Gundy had a 259-135 records in five seasons with Magic, leading them to three division titles and made the playoffs each of the five seasons Van Gundy coached.
Let the speculations begin (again). This season, Dwight Howard went back and forth about staying or leaving the Magic this offseason. It caused uncertainty and in-house problems with the front office, management, and team. At times during the season, he wanted to be traded, notified the Magic of which teams he wanted to play for (Lakers, Mavericks, Nets, Knicks, Bulls, Clippers), and told the organization he would only resign with them if Van Gundy was fired and/or they signed/traded for players that would make the team better. After all of the theatrics, Howard decided to waive his early termination option. He will be returning for his final year of his deal next season and earn $19.5 million.
Did Howard have a deciding factor in Van Gundy and Smith's futures with the team? Now with Van Gundy and Smith out, will Howard sign a long term contract with the Magic or want to go to a contending team? Will teams be as interested in Howard now, after his back surgery/injuries? Who will coach the Magic next season? Phil Jackson? Mike D'Antoni? Jerry Sloan? Nate McMillan? Or will they hire an assistant coach such as Patrick Ewing, Brian Shaw, or Michael Malone?
Game 3 of the Conference Semifinals between Miami Heat vs. Indiana Pacers was an absolute embarrassment for the Heat. LeBron had 22 points, 10-22 field goals made, 1-4 from behind the arc, and 4 rebounds. He struggled at the free throw line going 1-3. The other four starters for Miami (Wade, Battier, Pittman, and Chalmers) combined for a total of 30 points. Wade had five points and five turnovers. Tensions occurred between Wade and coach Erik Spoelstra during the game. Wade's play was less than par and contributed to his team's loss.
The Pacers have been flying under the radar all season long. Finished the regular season 42-24 and No. 3 seed in the Eastern Conference. Destroyed the Orlando Magic in the First Round of the Playoffs (4-1). The youth of the Pacers, team chemistry, and role players have contributed to their success this season.
With the Pacers leading the series 2-1, it is a must win for the Heat on Sunday. If the Heat lose the series, many people speculate that Erik Spoelstra will lose his job and might be looking to shop one of the "Big 3" to get more depth on the roster. Who do you trade? LeBron? Wade? Bosh? Can't trade LeBron, he's arguably the best NBA player and a three time MVP but doesn't execute in the clutch and in the playoffs. Wade is the face of the franchise and led the Heat to win their only NBA Championship in 2006. Would the Heat dare to trade a player who transformed the organization? Bosh, is a key player but not comparable to LeBron and Wade. He would be the likely target to get traded this offseason. The position the Heat needs to fill is trading for/signing/drafting a true point guard. One of the best point guards who will be available this offseason is Steve Nash, will he leave Phoenix and give up millions to join a championship caliber team, to potentially win his first NBA Championship? Or will he stay in Phoenix for the money?
