Dwight Howard is now an official Hall of Famer, and most people say that wouldn’t be possible without Stan Van Gundy.
Van Gundy was a major part of Howard’s career and helped him find his first taste of success in the league.
There have been stories about their relationship and how well they got along.
Speaking on SiriusXM NBA Radio, Van Gundy opened up about his time working with Howard and how they felt about one another.
“I know from my standpoint, I don’t want to put words in Dwight’s mouth, I like Dwight very much as a person. I had great respect for what he did as a player and the way he approached his job. I think that he has the same feelings for me. The five years, we had great success. I think we enjoyed working together. When you put it all in perspective, it was a good and successful relationship,” Van Gundy said of his relationship with Howard.
“I had great respect for what he did as a player."
When Stan Van Gundy joined @TheFrankIsola and @Scalabrine, he discussed his relationship with the newest Hall of Famer @DwightHoward@HoopHall | @OrlandoMagic | @NBAonPrime pic.twitter.com/XYCaScTwts
— SiriusXM NBA Radio (@SiriusXMNBA) September 10, 2025
Van Gundy coached Howard on the Orlando Magic for five seasons, and that run included two Eastern Conference Finals showings and one trip all the way to the NBA Finals.
They never won a ring together, and the final years of their time in Orlando were met with criticism and then Howard’s departure, but Van Gundy believes they had a strong working partnership.
Van Gundy isn’t alone because Howard has publicly thanked his former coach and said his place in the Hall was only achievable due to his time in Orlando and the guidance and leadership he received.
Their era with the Orlando Magic will always be remembered, and it sounds like both Van Gundy and Howard now look back at it fondly.
NEXT: Magic Sign Former Warriors Guard
