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Stan Van Gundy’s Identity Crisis In Detroit

By Simon Smith

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Jan 4, 2016; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Detroit Pistons head coach Stan Van Gundy bites on a pen cap before the game against the Orlando Magic at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Pistons win 115-89. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 4, 2016; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Detroit Pistons head coach Stan Van Gundy bites on a pen cap before the game against the Orlando Magic at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Pistons win 115-89. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports /

Contrasting Numbers

The 2009-10 season was the last time Van Gundy led the Magic deep into the playoff race. A 59-33 regular season preceded an eventual loss in the Eastern Conference Finals to the veteran-laden Boston Celtics. Most synonymous with Van Gundy’s best Magic team was its distinct inside-outside style of play.

With Howard dominant beneath the rim, combined with a plethora of perimeter shooting, the Magic transformed the way the game was played. Among the most significant numbers from that season are the following:

  • Three-point field goals made: 10.3 per game (Ranked 1st)
  • Three-point field goals attempted: 27.3 per game (1st)
  • Three-point field goal percentage: 37.5 percent (3rd)
  • Points per game: 102.8 (6th)
  • Offensive Rating (Points per 100 possessions): 109.5 per game (2nd)
  • Defensive Rating (Opponents points per 100 possessions): 100.2 per game (2nd)
  • Net rating (Off Rtg – Def Rtg): 9.3 points per game (1st)

The disparity in these numbers to the Pistons’ this season is staggering. Van Gundy was ahead of the curve with the style he utilized in Orlando to great effect.

Of course, the personnel he had at his disposal made this style possible and successful. And with the added responsibility of personnel decisions, moulding his team to his liking was a huge attraction in Van Gundy landing in Detroit.

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