The Orlando Magic Fires Coach, GM: Good Move or Bad Decision?

The Orlando Magic have cleaned house, following their first round playoff elimination to the Indiana Pacers. Forget the fact that All-Star Dwight Howard was injured and committed to staying with the team -- for now. Apparently, the Magic's performance without Howard, combined with problems beyond the court, have lead to the team firing head coach Stan Van Gundy and general manager Otis Smith.

The Magic management did have a point saying two straight first round playoff exits weren't good enough, but it seems like it wasn't taken into consideration that Howard's future was a big distraction as well. Just a couple of months back, Van Gundy, who's at times notorious for his big mouth, told the media that a top-ranking official told him that Howard wanted him fired. It had been rumored the two didn't get along for quite some time.

During that same media session, Howard put his arm around Van Gundy, who quickly left him alone to the awkwardness that ensued. As for former GM Smith, who tried his best to give Howard a title contending team since 2006... Well, that's the nature of the game. Van Gundy and Smith were regarded as two of the better guys in the NBA in their respective roles and may not be the easiest to replace. It's not about who the Magic replaced them with, but the differences in the win column come next season and especially playoff time.