Stan Van Gundy: ‘I Want to Comeback’

The Orlando Magic’s tumultuous season mercifully came to an end last night, as the Indiana Pacers ushered them out of the Playoffs. Head coach Stan Van Gundy, despite all that’s gone on this year, said he wants to keep his job. Per USA Today: “I want to come back. But it’s not up to me,’ Van Gundy said after the 105-87 loss to the Pacers. ‘As far as the speculation, it’s the same thing I’ve been saying all year. They’ll make a decision when they make a decision. I’m not going to worry about it, I’ll tell you that. As long as I’m coaching, I’ll continue to do my work and get ready for next year. And if they want to make a change, make a change. It’s up to them.’ [...] Looking ahead to next season, Van Gundy said having a healthy team will make a difference. ‘I’m not going to make excuses, but why is Chicago down 3-1? You’ve got to be healthy,’ he said. ‘Health plays a big role in it with key guys.’ But he declined to say what kind of changes he would like to see. [...] Van Gundy said it wasn’t a rough year for him off the court, despite the circus that engulfed him and Howard. Van Gundy, late in the season, said that Howard asked management to fire him. ‘My family life has been good. My wife likes me … most days. It hasn’t been a tough year off the court,’ he said. ‘The stuff with our team has been tough. I do have a life outside of it, and that life has been pretty good. My kids are doing well, and my wife likes me.’”