Dwight Howard was not in the Orlando Magic's lineup as the Washington Wizards took advantage with a 93-85 victory in last night's game.
Howard misses two straight games with back spasms and it would be his fourth in six games this month. The team's starting center's absence and drama surrounding his desire for a coaching have been distractions for the Magic, who are currently holding the sixth seed in the playoff bracket.
According to Yahoo Sports, Howard hinted that he would choose either Brian Shaw, a former Magic roster, or Michael Malone, the son of assistant coach Brendan Malone. Howard avoided further questions when asked for more details about the matter.
Amidst the allegations that Dwight Howard requested a coaching change, the team's current head coach Stan Van Gundy will keep his position until the end of the NBA 2011-12 season according to Orlando Magic GM Otis Smith.
"I could be gone after this year, nothing is guaranteed in this business," said Van Gundy.
Howard's teammates and the Magic's front office are playing down the current drama in trying to focus on keeping the team's playoff berth intact.
"It was weird. There is nothing you can do about it." Nelson added, "It's done and over with. The rest of the guys have moved on," said point guard Jameer Nelson in an interview with HoopsHype.com.
Others are trying to shed a positive vibe on the current dilemma including Orlando Magic's Senior VP Pat William. He expressed his desire to keep both Dwight Howard and Stan Van Gundy.
"Finish well and then have a wonderful run in the playoffs - that would probably cure most of the issues," Williams told the Associated Press
Based on reports, both Van Gundy and Howard met with general manager Otis Smith and agreed to put emphasis on the team by collaborating for the rest of this season.
