Dwight Howard has had the world at his fingertips since entering the NBA in 2004. He has been on multiple All-Star, All-NBA First, and All-NBA Defensive teams. He won the dunk contest in 2008, and NBA Defensive Player of the year in 2009-2011. He is widely regarded at the best center and one of the top 10 players in the world. While he still has improvements to his game to make, there isn't much disputing that fact. The problem now is his behavior off the court, and in the locker room. That has been beyond questionable.
During this last season, he has went back and forth about whether or not he wanted to stay in Orlando. He spent the first portion of the season letting it be known that didn't want to re-sign with the Magic, and would go join the (then)New Jersey Nets as a free agent. That wouldn't have been bad at all, except on the day of the trading deadline, he waived his right to opt out of his contract and signed to stay with Orlando for one more season. This move was baffling because of all the dust he kicked up about leaving earlier in the season. Still, Orlando's organization seemed to be willing to do whatever it took to keep him. Part of that was firing Stan Van Gundy.
Howard and Van Gundy always had a contentious relationship. It was more obvious than ever last season. Between rumors of Howard going to Magic mangagement with an ultimatium of Van Gundy or him. To the absolutely awkward interview where Van Gundy informed the media that he was told Howard wanted him gone, and Howard came over like everything was cool, it was a cluster of immaturity and weak power moves by both guys. Finally, the Magic in an effort to appease Dwight Howard fired both Van Gundy, and general manager Otis Smith. That should have been good enough to keep Dwight Howard happy right?
Well it was not, because not long after the Free Agency period started, Howard let the Magic know that he wanted to be traded to the now Brooklyn Nets. He accused the Magic of "blackmailing" him into opting into his contract for one more year. He has since denied that statement, but with his history of flip flopping statements, I tend to believe he made it. He wants out of Orlando, but teams are afraid to pull the trigger on a trade because he has made it known that he will only sign with the Brooklyn Nets. Personally, I say the teams who are hesitant, are better off for it.
As great as Dwight Howard has been on the court, he is a huge headache off of it now. On top of that, he is coming off of a back surgery that may keep him out of action for a portion of the season. There is no telling what the injury will do to his athleticism, and how he plays the game. So, is he really worth the potiential headache that could come if things go wrong? I'm not sure of that at all.
As I take my seat, Dwight Howard's behavior has been far worse that LeBron's. He has held an organization hostage with his childish behavior. Orlando pulled the trigger on moves that they shouldn't if they were going to lose Howard anyway. They have pacified, and babied him for far too long. He has proven to be a waffler, flip-flopper, and done it all while the season was going on. As bad as LeBron's show was for his look, it wasn't anything that took away from, or distracted his team in season.
With LeBron winning a Championship, and the tide turning back to people beginning to like him again, it's time for Dwight Howard to take his seat on the throne as NBA Public Enemy #1. He can recover, but it will take a lot of work, and some serious winning for him to do so. For now though, he's Hulk Hogan leg dropping an entire organization, and keeping many teams and players in limbo. Good luck making things right big fella. We'll be watching.
I'm Jimmy L. Wilson, Jr. and I approve this message.
No comments:
Post a Comment