Can Orlando Magic Pull Themselves Together After Dwight Howard's Rant?

The Orlando Magic started the season with a 4-2 record, while the Dwight Howard rumors are becoming more prevalent as the season goes along. The Magic were having success and it appeared the rumors were not hurting the team mentally given its high level of play at the time.

One of the teams in the league that have younger superstar players on the team, the Magic should be able to take advantage of the shortened schedule while some of the older, veteran teams may have trouble doing so.

After losing a 27-point lead in the second half to the Boston Celtics at home on a back-to-back before getting blown out by the New Orleans Hornets on the road (losing 93-67), things are not looking so good in Orlando. The Magic also suffered their third consecutive loss as the visiting Indiana Pacers scored 106 points to the Magic’s 85.

After the loss to the Hornets, Howard was upset with his teammates and questioned their toughness and desire to play hard and wanting to win basketball games.

However, was it necessary for Howard to get upset at his teammates in such a manner? His status with the team this season is in limbo, and the team has been trying to not be mentally fatigued by all of the rumored trade ideas being brought about on a regular basis. The consequences of his rant could possibly break apart the team, and head coach Stan Van Gundy has the tough task of trying to keep things as calm as possible without hurting too many feelings in the process.

The Magic’s offense has been out of sync in the second half of the past three games (all losses), and the ball keeps being passed around to somebody on the three-point line rather than looking for a basket in the painted area. Also, point guard Jameer Nelson has been struggling to find his game and has lost confidence in his shot and passing up open looks at the basket.

It will be interesting to see whether the Magic can get themselves out of this funk or if things continue to get worse for the team.