Dwight Howard: Analyzing True Cause of His Hatred for Stan Van Gundy

There could be any number of reasons Dwight Howard no longer wants to play for Stan Van Gundy—it's frankly hard to imagine the two could coexist under any conditions.

A USA Today report contradicted the latest rumors, but Magic owner Rich DeVos could probably surmise a few things about Howard's wishes whether they've been explicitly communicated or not.

Sure, Howard may have legitimate grievances against Van Gundy's game plan, or perhaps he has lost faith in the coach's ability to lead the locker room. But there's almost certainly something more to the story.

That story likely begins with Van Gundy's openly acknowledging to the media that he was aware Howard wanted him gone.

Howard can accept losing. He can stomach giving less than 100 percent sometimes.

The one thing he can't take his having his superstar image tarnished. After all, this is the guy who wants to please everyone, a guy who'd rather prolong his fans' agony that make a tough decision.

Van Gundy's honesty and willingness to call the situation what it is makes it a lot harder for Howard to continue living behind a facade. In his imagination, he's a team-first guy who has to do what's best for his career.

In reality, Howard has done as much to undermine his team as any star in recent memory.

He's perpetuated a monumental distraction with a subplot that can't go down well with the other guys in Orlando's locker room. Underlying his desire to play elsewhere is the unmistakable implication that his team as currently assembled doesn't have what it takes to win.

That may very well be the case, but that's not something a leader acknowledges without permanently undermining the confidence of those with whom he must go into battle night after night.

Howard doesn't want to face that truth about his real impact on the Orlando Magic. Unfortunately for him, Stan Van Gundy isn't around to placate anyone.

He's a real coach, one who cares more about winning games than public opinion. For a babied celebrity who can't handle the truth, that's not the kind of coach who will last for long.