Help Me Howard

After the Magic blew a 10 point lead last night in Boston, Dwight Howard criticized head coach Stan Van Gundy's game plan.

Apparently Howard thinks he should get the ball more in clutch situations. I agree, but you can't blame that all on the coach.

First off, I'm sure Van Gundy didn't tell his players during time outs, "Hey, let's keep the ball away from Howard in the post I'd rather Skip to my Lou take it to the hole and throw up a wild left handed lay up."

Secondly, Howard could pick up a rebound late in the game instead of giving the Celtics second chance opportunities on the offensive side of the ball and not giving his team any second chance opportunities. Oh yea, and defensive player of the year right? Maybe get a block, that could help getting the ball in your hands.

And lastly, Howard's post-up game is terrible anyway. Even without Kevin Garnett in the lineup he still can't score on the block. He scores on transition buckets by beating big men down the court, on offensive put backs, and on alley-oops.

Howard's game is more suited for the Phoenix Suns. So how 'bout it? Howard for Shaq strait up? I think if the Magic had Shaq down low this series would have been over by now. Yes I said it, even the older Shaq would have put this series away. The only problem is Shaq and Van Gundy don't get along.

Shaq recently called Van Gundy the "Master of Panic" referring to the coaches performance during close late game situations. Right now that name is fitting perfectly, I think Van Gundy needs to write South Florida's Help Me Howard.

Better yet, just say that to your own South Florida guy right there on the team. Van Gundy, make some Magic happen, step up to Dwight the man child, and tell him stop complaining and just "Help Me Howard!"