Dwight Howard: Magic Superstar Reportedly Won't Play for Stan Van Gundy

Dwight Howard has come out and said that he doesn't want to play for Stan Van Gundy anymore, according to David Pingalore of WKMG.

Update: Thursday, April 19 at 2:45 p.m. EST

Uh oh. Looks like there are some questions about Pingalore's report.

Sam Amick of SI.com tweeted on Thursday:

"

Regarding report that Dwight Howard told Orlando owner Rich DeVos he wouldn't play for coach Stan Van Gundy, source close to the situation says it's not accurate. It speaks volumes that people are ready to believe it, though. Dwight's PR is a nightmare these days.

"

Steve Kyler of HOOPSWORLD also gave a glimmer of hope to Magic fans:

"

RT @b_rewster:any truth to the rumor D12 is not hurt but is just done with the magic & will b traded in the off season? <--- None.

— Steve Kyler (@stevekylerNBA) April 19, 2012"

Update: Thursday, April 19 at 2 p.m. EST

According to Pingalore's sources, Howard called Orlando Magic owner Rich DeVos on Friday night, telling the 86-year-old he wouldn't play for Van Gundy. The call was reportedly taken by DeVos in the DeVos suite at Amway Center during the Magic's game against the Atlanta Hawks.

Howard is reportedly still upset about Van Gundy confirming Pingalore's report that Howard asked Orlando Magic management to fire the head coach.

Howard could also potentially sit out the postseason with Van Gundy in charge.

To say the Magic's season has been rough would be an understatement. The Magic decided to keep Howard by the trade deadline in hopes of convincing him to stay in Orlando, but Howard clearly hasn't been happy with the organization, specifically Van Gundy. Now it appears it's either Van Gundy-be-fired-or-bust.

Howard has been sitting out games lately because of a herniated disk, but he reportedly stayed in his hotel room on Sunday night in Cleveland despite traveling with the team.

The Magic have resembled perhaps the most dysfunctional organization in the league this season. When you have your star player calling the shots, that's when you know things have gone from bad to worse. 

Of course, Howard is the best center in the league. He has the right to voice his opinion. But asking for management to fire Van Gundy is over the top, to say the least. The reality is, even if the Magic did fire Van Gundy, they would still need to acquire the necessary pieces for a title run to convince Howard to stay and not leave for another city.

The Magic may have just clinched a playoff spot, but they simply won't be a contender without Howard. Orlando has become "Dwight Howard World."

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