Dwight Howard Asks for Stan Van Gundy's Firing: Do You Want D12 on Your Team?

In what can only be described as one of the strangest individual seasons in the history of the NBA, the once-beloved Dwight Howard has supposedly called for Stan Van Gundy's head. In a shocking development, Van Gundy has come right out and acknowledged Howard's request for the coach to be fired.

Just when we thought it was impossible for Howard to stir up any more controversy, he brings his name to the negative spotlight for the umpteenth time this season.

A Chris Broussard tweet seemingly set the madness ablaze, as team after team began to vie for Howard's services. There were rumors of Deron Williams and Howard signing in Dallas during the offseason. Then, of course, there was the potential pairing of D-Will and D-12 in Brooklyn. And finally, a Bynum for Howard mega-trade.

Many fans remember Howard's January comments in which the maligned superstar told the Chicago Tribune that he was open to the idea of playing for the Chicago Bulls. Those same fans remember analysts league-wide debating whether or not it was a good idea for the Bulls to break up the team and pair Derrick Rose with the dominant big man.

None of the possibilities came to fruition, however, as Howard flipped his opinion...again.

Regardless of his potential destination, Howard brought legitimate excitement with him. The three-time Defensive Player of the Year is as dominant a center as the NBA has seen since Shaquille O'Neal, thus claiming the nickname Superman. While many will argue that Howard's talent is far more raw than that of O'Neal's, there aren't as many who will argue how special a player Howard is.

The question remains, however, who would want him on their team after this debacle?

While the talent is undeniable, the distraction is unlike anything I've ever seen. While players such as Allen Iverson and Carmelo Anthony have had their fair share of issues, never has there been a more controversial single season. In retrospect, how could Orlando expect anything different after they offered Howard full control over the franchise's staff?

So go ahead and tell me, folks: if your team had the opportunity to bring in Howard and all of his immaturity, would you want them to pull the trigger?

First and foremost, consider the cost. In order to trade for Howard, your team would almost certainly have to give up multiple key players and draft choices. In free agency, Howard would command a salary so high that room for other players would be slim to none.

So what would you do? Would you stray away from the embattled star and go for a safer pick at one of the thinnest position in the NBA? Would you take the chance and pray the production outweighs the disturbance? Most importantly, would you let an individual player who has yet to win an title dictate the direction of your franchise?

Those questions could be answered much sooner than later with Van Gundy's job and the Magic's credibility both on the line.