NBA Rumors: Ignoring Dwight Howard vs. Stan Van Gundy Drama Best for Magic

In the midst of a five-game losing streak, the last thing the Orlando Magic needed was all of the drama surrounding Dwight Howard's alleged plea for the front office to fire head coach Stan Van Gundy.

Now, the only thing that will save the season is if the rest of the squad refuses to pay any mind to the controversy.

Prior to Saturday's 88-82 win over the Philadelphia 76ers, the Magic were desperate to bounce back from five consecutive losses. The only story overshadowing Orlando's sudden futility was which member of the front office had told Van Gundy that his superstar center wanted him fired.

Howard and Van Gundy could deny all they wanted, but the only way to truly change the course of the conversation was to start winning again. So that's what the rest of the team focused on, following up Saturday night's win with a 119-89 victory over Detroit two nights later.

Now, instead of thinking about whether the coach and the star can smooth things over enough to finish out the season on a high note, the Magic are refocusing on solidifying themselves as a factor in the playoffs.

Prior to Saturday's win over Philadelphia, point guard Jameer Nelson was asked about the soap opera surrounding his team. He told HoopsHype.com's Marc Narducci, "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."

When asked whether or not the players felt compelled to choose sides between Howard and Van Gundy, Nelson told Narducci:

"

No, I am one of the leaders and captains of the team and it is not about me choosing sides. It's about me leading the team. Whatever game plan Stan puts out, I have to help execute to the best of my ability with these guys.

"

At least someone on the team has the leadership qualities necessary to win.

Nelson's point of view is the one Van Gundy and Howard should have reflected during last week's meltdown. Was it appropriate for Van Gundy to bring up Howard's alleged request during a press conference prior to a huge matchup against the Knicks? Of course not.

This is a team that currently sits in third place in the Southeast Division and sixth place in the Eastern Conference and can't afford another five-game losing streak.

It can't afford to be babbling about behind-the-scenes drama when it should be completely focused on picking up every win it can. If the Magic have any hope of making a run in this year's postseason, they need to start acting and talking more like Nelson and less like Van Gundy and Howard.

There will be plenty of time in the offseason for speculation about the coaching carousel. For now, the only thing that matters is winning.

Howard may be the star, but Nelson is the leader. Howard, Van Gundy and the rest of the Magic would be wise to take their cues from him.