The Enigma That Is Billy Donovan

Well, now that lawyers are involved, we can reclassify the Billy Donovan saga from curiously entertaining to officially ugly. We'd love to know the real reason that Donovan balked on his Orlando Magic contract a mere two days after signing it; did he discover the team's troubling history of unprovoked attacks on its mascot? Was Tom Cruise somehow involved? We may never know.

The Orlando Magic have decided that if Billy Donovan no longer wants to coach the team — and they are certain he doesn't — it is Donovan who will have to take the step to legally break his contract with the team. Those close to the situation told the Orlando Sentinel that the Magic expect Donovan soon to begin maneuvers to break the five-year, $27.5 million contract he signed with the team Friday — and then return as coach of the University of Florida Gators at some point. Until a settlement is reached, the Magic not only still consider him their coach but would take him back if he changed his mind again despite the fallout from his stunning reversal.

So who is on the Magic's short list now that Donovan has regained his senses had second thoughts? We bring you Stan Van Gundy, former coach of the Miami Heat, and Spurs assistant coach P.J. Carlesimo. What, no Rick Barry?

Orlando Magic Wait For Billy Donovan To Void Deal [Orlando Sentinel]