Just 49 games in Orlando Magic and for Gilbert Arenas, it was his worst season. Not because it was the first time that Agent Zero didn’t average double digits in points per game (in 10 seasons). But, it wasn’t just the stats that irked Agent Zero—it was head coach Stan Van Gundy.
Arenas has repeatedly said Van Gundy never showed him the respect he deserved on the court, making his brief stint in Orlando one of the lowest points of his career. But, what exactly went down between the two?
A look back on things
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Back in 2023, Arenas didn’t hold back when talking about Van Gundy on his podcast, Gil’s Arena. He described the toxic atmosphere Van Gundy created, saying, “We winning and ‘yall motherfu**s don’t wanna play. Get them all outta here.’ And he’ll always dirty talk, ‘Motherfu** turn the ball over here. Why do I even have him in here? This stupid motherf*. And we sit here and like, ‘Hey, what the f*k that motherfu** be saying about me?”
Polls of the day Poll 1 of 5 Why do you think Gilbert Arenas has held a grudge against Stan Van Gundy for 13 years? Personal differences Coaching style Media comments On-court incidents Do you think Gilbert Arenas’ actions saved his teammates’ Nike contracts? Absolutely Not really He made it worse I’m not sure Whats your Perspective on: Is Gilbert Arenas justified in his hatred for Stan Van Gundy, or is he overreacting? Have an interesting take? Join The Debate What was the most impressive aspect of Rickea Jackson’s college career? Her scoring ability Her defensive skills Her leadership on the court Her consistency What makes Caitlin Clark the most legendary player in Iowa Hawkeyes history? Her scoring records Her leadership Her clutch performances Her all-around game
Just a season before joining the Magic, Arenas was caught up in the infamous g*n incident with former Wizards teammate Javaris Crittenton, which significantly impacted his game and confidence. Arenas admitted that post-incident, he wasn’t the same Agent Zero, he once was.
via Getty PHOENIX – DECEMBER 19: Gilbert Arenas #0 of the Washington Wizards sits on the bench during the NBA game against the Phoenix Suns at US Airways Center on December 19, 2009 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns defeated the Wizards 121-95. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
But his frustration wasn’t just about his own game; it was also about how he felt Stan Van Gundy stifled his voice. “I’m not Agent Zero no more. Now, I’m just trying to blend in. I mean f**k Stan. He got me in a situation where I couldn’t be vocal with him. The sh*t he was doing in the games, on the bench, you can’t do that,” Arenas said.
So, what exactly was going on during the games? 3× NBA All-Star painted a vivid picture, explaining that he often played alongside JJ Redick and Ryan Anderson—key shooters who needed focus. But, Van Gundy’s abrasive style disrupted the flow.
“I’m playing with JJ and Anderson, so I need both of them mentally focused ‘cause these are shooters. We coming down and he’s killing Anderson. I’m like, ‘You shut the f*k up. Sit your a* down, call your plays over there,’” Arenas recounted.
Yet, despite Arenas’ grievances, the numbers tell a different story. Under Van Gundy’s leadership, the Magic enjoyed some of their most successful years. They never missed the playoffs from 2007 to 2012, and Van Gundy still holds several franchise records, including most postseason games coached and most playoff wins.
However, not only Arenas, another Magic star was very irritated by SVG’s coaching style.
Gilbert Arenas reveals the feud between Stan Van Gundy and Dwight Howard
On the same episode of Gil’s Arena, Gilbert Arenas shared a heated moment between Dwight Howard and Stan Van Gundy that highlighted the tension between the two. According to Arenas, despite Dwight Howard’s best efforts on the court, Van Gundy’s relentless criticism often crossed the line. The 3× Defensive Player of the Year wasn’t one to back down, though, and eventually fired back at his coach, demanding that Van Gundy match his level of intensity instead of just pointing fingers.
via Getty LOS ANGELES, CA – APRIL 03: Los Angeles Lakers center Dwight Howard (39) before the Denver Nuggets vs Los Angeles Lakers game on April 03, 2022, at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by Jevone Moore/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Arenas recalled the incident: “I remember, this motherf**er, Dwight got a block, boom. Somebody came down, snapped that, and then he tried to throw it, they caught it, and then boom, score.” The criticism came swiftly from Van Gundy, as revealed by Arenas, “TIMEOUT! How come you didn’t get that other block? S*t, they call you Superman? They call you Superman? This Superman name is getting to your name! The crowd out here, they out here just sucking you off.”
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Fed up with the constant belittling, Howard couldn’t hold back any longer. He lashed out at Van Gundy, saying, “Man, get your fat a** out there and do the same s*t I’m doing! Motherf**ers over here always criticizing.”
To make matters worse, Van Gundy publicly once claimed Howard asked management to fire him. However, Magic CEO Alex Martins later stated on the team’s website that Howard never made such a request.
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Stay tuned for more such updates and join us for the exciting second episode of the “Dual Threat Show” as our host BG12 sits down with Georgia Bulldogs star and Mountain West All-Freshman Team Selection, Asia Avinger.