NBA’s Howard part of new trend
Two is better than one. In the Miami Heats’ case, three. Superstars that is. But Miami isn’t the only superstar hotspot in Florida. Dwight Howard, a.k.a “Superman,” has been tickling the fancy of Orlando for years, but now he seems intent on proving all good things usually come to an end.
The Dwight Howard trade carousel is twirling faster than ever, as he becomes a free agent at season’s end. Howard has expressed a wish list of where he’d like to go. The Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles Clippers, New Jersey Nets, New York Knicks, and the newly added Chicago Bulls have topped his list. He also has stated he wouldn’t mind staying in Orlando, but has made it clear he is unhappy and wants change.
Rumored trades according to ESPN.com include from the Lakers, centered around Pao Gasol and Andrew Bynum. For the Knicks, Amare Stoudemire and Tyson Chandler. For Chicago, an “all in” approach with the exception of reigning MVP Derrick Rose has been brought up. The Nets, who acquired Deron Williams mid-season last year, have expressed very strong interest in the big man, but would have their best chance in free-agency. Williams has stated that he would unlikely stay in New Jersey if Dwight Howard doesn’t jump on board.
Many teams in the NBA would likely drool for the services of Howard, but Howard wants what every NBA player wants: an NBA championship. And his best chance to get that is?
Teaming up with other superstars has become a trend in the NBA, creating “Super-teams.”
LeBron James led the charge with the controversial “decision” to “take his talents to South Beach.” Chris Bosh jumped on board, and an NBA championship contender was built overnight.
The New York Knicks signed Amare Stoudemire and Carmello Anthony, teaming up the two stars for the hopes of glory.
The Clippers drafted Blake Griffin, and recently acquired Chris Paul and Chauncey Billups via trade, turning them from laughingstock to darkhorse contender.
This unruly trend is frowned upon by NBA GM’s and the league commissioner David Stern, but not to fans, as TV ratings are higher than ever.
Dwight Howard looks to be the next piece to the NBA puzzle of this phenomenon.
To some fans teaming up stars is cheating, buying championships with an “if you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em“ approach. To others, it is the best thing that has ever happened to the sport, especially to the franchise and fans on the receiving end.
Whoever opens up the present of Dwight Howard before the trade deadline or free agency is likely making their team an NBA championship contender.
Whether you like it or not, it is the three-letter word we now call the NBA.
By Josh Cann
Sports Writer