Like, he just happened to have a tape of all Dwight’s touches lying around. Sure, he probably needed to make it especially for this meeting, but the fact that he was willing to do that in order to send a message to his franchise player—without publicly embarrassing him—is impressive. SVG turned what had been a disastrous situation, in which the media exaggerated a rift between a player and a coach, into a teaching opportunity. Not many other coaches would have been able to do that, I don’t think.

While we’re talking about preparation, let me just say that Stan’s whiteboard is every bit as marvelous as Henry Abbott made it sound. I literally can’t say much more than that since the Magic made it very clear to me that taking notes on it, or photographing it, whatever, was forbidden. But wow, what a sight.

but Pat Riley screwing over SVG turned out to be a blessing for the Magic. Wonderful coach to have on the sidelines.

Also, much respect to Howard for not taking offense in whatever SVG did. Very commendable display of humility by Howard. How many superstars would take that kind of situation the wrong way?

Great move by SVG