The latest reports about Orlando Magic big man Dwight Howard have me sick to my stomach. First, ESPN’s Ric Bucher says Howard has CEO like control of the Magic organization:
One source close to the situation told ESPN The Magazine’s Ric Bucher that the Magic have promised Howard that they will add a quality player before Thursday’s deadline and that Howard can decide the fate of both GM Otis Smith and coach Stan Van Gundy at the end of the season if he signs an extension. Bucks swingman Stephen Jackson, frustrated in Milwaukee, is available and sources say he and Howard have talked about playing together.
CBS reports Howard has given the Magic a list of players he’d like to have as teammates:
Howard’s representatives reiterated to teams inquiring about him in recent days that his No. 1 choice remains the Nets, and also revealed that he has a list of several players he’d like to play with, a person familiar with the situation said Tuesday. Ellis, the Warriors’ electrifying guard, is on the list, the person said. Nets point guard Deron Williams is presumed to be on it as well, though Howard’s desire for new teammates is unclear beyond that.
When did Dwight Howard become Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson and Larry Bird all rolled into one? This is absurd.
Yes, he’s a rebounding and shot-blocking machine entering the prime of his career. But… Howard is not capable of carrying a franchise on those massive shoulders. He has too many offensive liabilities. And spare me all of his statistics. Your eyes should tell you that he’s NOT a leader. The reason New Jersey is his desired location is so he can spread his global brand. That should tell you everything you need to know about Howard.
Howard lost all credibility as a de facto GM the moment he lobbied for Glen Davis. And now he wants Stephen Jackson? Why aren’t the media blowhards slapping him into oblivion for these suggestions?
As for the possibility of Howard running the franchise, I echo John’s sentiments – no player deserves that much power.
I’d love for Howard to play in Boston, provided Danny Ainge fills out the roster with players who can balance Dwight’s immaturity and offensive liabilities.
FYI – The Magic are refuting ESPN’s report about SVG and Smith.
(AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)
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