A change was in the air five years ago. And the Orlando Magic had an uncertain future. The only thing that was certain was their need to trade Dwight Howard.
Their coach, Stan Van Gundy, had burned about every bridge in the front office in that infamous press conference. His team had fallen from championship contender to Playoff also-ran with a disgruntled star. It was no surprise when the ax came down on him. And it was less surprising when general manager Otis Smith followed shortly after.
Orlando knew its situation.