re: NBA Free Agency Thread: Day 21

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I really believe that Josh Smith is really going to benefit from Stan. And I think Josh, in talking to people around Josh, I think Josh believes that. I think Josh Smith is dying to be coached and wants someone who he has great respect for and wants someone who isn't afraid to challenge him. Everybody I've ever talked to, for the most part, loved playing for Stan.

Stan is like the tough teacher you had that you appreciate more when he's gone. You know, JJ Redick has told me so many times, "I don't know where I'd be in the NBA if it wasn't for Stan Van Gundy." Now, did JJ feel that way his first few years when Stan didn't want to play him and JJ came in as a one-dimensional player and Stan demanded that he expand his game, and until he did he wasn't going to play? No. He couldn't stand him at the time. But looking back and, you know, later at his time in Orlando, JJ Redick has a tremendous appreciation for Stan.

And I know Dwight Howard really does. He became a first-team All NBA player there. An all-defensive player. And I think as Dwight went away, especially when he went to LA for a year, I think he has tremendous appreciation for Stan.

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