The Fan Voice: "Have You Thanked Billy Donovan Today?"

By Live or Die Magic | January 29th, 2009


Two Summers ago, I was in a “Big League” haircuts (man, can those cats cut hair!), [insert shameless attempt at sponsorship here] when it was announced that the Orlando Magic had hired Billy Donovan away from Florida. With so much uncertainty for the franchise at that time - could we resign Dwight, would the Arena deal pass - it made sense that the franchise was attempting to make a big splash by hiring the local hero who was coming off back-to-back NCAA championships.

I admit that I was excited, simply because it is easy to assume that success in the college ranks should translate to success in the pros. As excited as I was, I was equally disappointed when only a few days later, Donovan had second thoughts and struggled to extricate himself from his contract with the Magic.

Understandably, the Magic organization was surprised and disappointed. The Magic deliberated before agreeing to allow Donovan to leave. While many of the Gator faithful felt that the Magic should not have attempted to get concessions from Donovan’s camp, it is a testament to the Magic’s forward thinking that they did so. The Magic had represented themselves to the community and to their season-ticket base by hiring Donovan. There was an immediate positive boost of the Magic’s local perception and there was even an immediate, tangible increase in ticket interest. Yet only days later, much of that progress was halted with Donovan’s desire to return to Gainesville. Before the Magic allowed Donovan to depart, they needed assurances from him that he wouldn’t turn around and join the Miami Heat (or another NBA team) the following year. The Magic owed it to themselves and their fans to not just lay down and let Donovan walk. Too often in our history, this has happened. But at least this time, the team had a say in how it happened. Donovan is a young enough, and a gifted enough coach that he might very well wind up in the NBA at some point. But it won’t be in the next three seasons!

But hey, enough about the past…let’s talk about the wonderful repercussions of Donovan’s change of heart! Ironically, after making sure to maintain “rights” of a sort to the coach that just jilted them, the Magic turned their attention to Stan Van Gundy, a coach who was still under contract to the Miami Heat. Heat President Pat Riley had made it clear that he would require compensation from any team that wanted to hire Van Gundy as head coach. At least two teams were very interested in Van Gundy: the Magic and the Kings. Once the Magic agreed to terms with Donovan, the Sacramento Kings and Van Gundy began their dance in earnest. Thankfully, by the time the Magic were back to courting Van Gundy, he had not yet signed a deal with the Kings. Suddenly, Van Gundy was the belle of the ball and had a decision to make! Reports at the time indicated that Van Gundy gave strong consideration to the Kings job. I can only assume that it now ranks high on his list of “roads not taken.”

Stan Van Gundy came into his job as Magic coach as a breath of fresh air. He has instilled discipline and defense without stifling offense or creativity of his players. He recognizes the strengths of his roster and he plays to those strengths while still demanding constant improvement and growth from his players. He has successfully blended youth with experience. He is also extremely candid when discussing his team; comfortable and honest whether discussing a win or loss.

It is impossible for us to know how successful this Magic squad would have been under Billy Donovan’s guidance. Surely, just based on talent alone, we would have been a playoff team. But could we have advanced to the second round? Could we have evolved into the extremely confident and versatile unit that we see now? I have my doubts. Too many excellent college coaches come to the NBA for a big paycheck, only to return to the college ranks a few years later. We might have had to waste a season or two waiting for Donovan to find his way and figure out the many differences in running an NBA team with millionaire players vs. a college team. With Stan Van Gundy, we got a coach who had spent over a decade as an assistant coach and who had unfinished business from his first successful-but-brief stint as an NBA head coach.

As of today, I’d say our timeline has been accelerated. I don’t mind admitting that I never expected us to have the best record in the league half-way through this season (never mind that it only lasted one game!). I never expected us to be contending for the #1 seed in the East this season. I never expected us to be referred to as title contenders so soon. Don’t get me wrong, I knew it was coming, but I thought it was a season or two away. Then again, many fans choose to be guarded in their expectations for fear of disappointment. I’m as guilty as the next fan. I give Stan Van Gundy the credit for having the Magic playing the way they are playing right now. He has installed a system that his players have bought into and are flourishing under. He is the right coach at the right time for this team.

If I’m giving the current Magic coach all that credit, then it seems fitting to give the “almost” coach a hand as well. The success that Magic fans are currently enjoying would not have been possible had Donovan not chosen to go back to Gainesville. So, Billy, please allow me to say “thank you!”

I’ll probably thank him tomorrow too.

This message was not subject of approval by the NBA or the Orlando Magic. The views expressed in this blog do not necessarily reflect the views of the Orlando Magic or the NBA, but solely the writer.

I love the fact that Stan will often take shots at his own coaching as well as the players. He holds himself as accountable in performance and improvement as he does his players.

Billy D's change of heart was a Magic defection that turned into a blessing. Maybe in time it will make up for the last major defection when Stan is leading a championship celebration.

Those were crazy times. I still have a sour taste in my mouth for ole' Billy D. But it's hard to stay mad with the way things have turned out.

I honestly forget that this ever took place most of the time. But him backing out was the ultimate blessing in disguise. And I just don't think we'd be looking at this same encouraging group of guys with him at the helm.

Best thing to happen to the Magic in the past couple of years, until we drafted CLee and picked up Pietrus.

I don't think Billy would have lasted, nor had the impact that SVG has had. It takes a special kind of coach to be able to hold players accountable, and still command their respect. I think the transition from College ranks to the pros would have been too much for Billy D.

I'm really glad it worked out the way that it did. I still hold a grudge against Donovan but only because he almost cost us a really good coach.

Great read LoDM, now we're all very happy about not having taken the Donovan road, but who knows, future is always uncertain.
Today we all love SVG, but basketball (like almost every sport) is based on victories, and the first time we'll be in serioius troubles, surely a lot of us will question him as a coach...

Since i am a life long Dolphins fan as well im unsure of who i hate more, Nick Saban or Billy Donavan.