Stan Van Gundy has been in the league for almost three decades now. He is one of the most widely respected individuals and coaches in the league, and that is why he has been around the league for so long. Stan is exceptionally good at developing young talent and making them great. He instills confidence in his teams and comes up with game plans to win matches, following his years of experience in high school, collegiate basketball, and the NBA.

Recently, tragedy struck Stan, as he has been put in a tough position that no man wants to face in their life.

Dwight Howard decides to mend a relationship during the time of sorrow

Stan and his wife, Kimberly, had been married for 35 years and have four children. In August 2023, Kimberly unexpectedly passed away. A memorial ceremony was hosted in Seminole County for her.

Family and friends gathered from across the borders. Several of Stan’s former players also joined the ceremony. Dwight Howard was one of them.

Stan coached Dwight in Orlando when the team made a run at the NBA finals in 2009. Stan was extremely happy that Dwight showed up. This was quite a surprise considering how their relationship ended in Orlando back in 2012.

Stan was fired from the Orlando Magic as per the request of Dwight Howard. The management had no choice because Dwight had an opt-out clause in the contract, and they didn’t want to make him unhappy. Dwight still demanded a trade from the team the following year.

After the service, Dwight opened up about Stan, Kim and the Orlando Magic on his Instagram.

Dwight said, “Stan, I will be there for you.” He said that he and every one of his teammates from Orlando love Stan. He continues by saying that they got to the top together and shared some of the best times of their lives.

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Dwight then admits that he couldn’t see what he had back then because of his ego and now he realizes it. He finally says that he would like to retire as a player for the Orlando Magic.

The Dwight-Stan era of the Orlando Magic

Dwight Howard came to the league straight out of high school. He was drafted first overall by the Magic. He was third in Rookie of the Year voting and got off to a promising start in the NBA. Stan Van Gundy joined the team in 2007. After Stan joined the team and Dwight took his performance to another level, the team became a threat in the Eastern Conference.

The team was built around Dwight. He was the main shot blocker and the anchor for their defense. They surrounded him with three-point shooters. They made multiple runs in the playoffs and eventually made the NBA finals in 2009. Here they faced defeat at the hands of the Los Angeles Lakers.

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After continuously being good in the regular season and not being able to achieve success in the playoffs, the relationship between Dwight and Stan fell apart. Stan got fired in 2012. The following season Dwight requested a trade from the Orlando Magic. This brought the end of the Dwight and Stan era in Orlando.

What are your thoughts on Dwight wanting to come back to the blue and white and retire as a Magic? Tell us in the comments!