NBA Rumors: Why 'Melo Interrupts Dwight Howard Possiblities

This 2012 NBA trading season is the 'Year of the Dwight'. There is no bigger star than Dwight Howard in the limelight that is the NBA trading block, and what better place is there for a star to reside than New York City. The only wall that would disrupt the potential chemistry between Howard and the New York Knicks, is Carmelo Anthony.

So far throughout this abbreviated 66-game 2012 NBA season, fans and viewers across the nation have seen a disappointing season emerge thus far at Madison Square Garden. The Mike D'Antoni directed roster has pieced together a sub .500 record, despite raised expectations following the acquisition of C Tyson Chandler.

The team is 21st overall in points allowed per game; a regularity in teams managed by Mike D'Antoni, as defense has never been his strong suit. But for his team to be 17th in PPG (94.3 PPG), 16th in rebounds per game (with both Amare Stoudemire AND Tyson Chandler on board), and ranking an absolutely appalling 26th in assists (just barely 18 a game) is inexcusable. This team needs an adjustment, badly, if they even want to contend in this year's postseason.

Despite all the hoopla going down in NYC, Dwight still has this team on his imaginary media-enhanced 'trade wish list'. He might be the necessary adjustment to surge this team into postseason contention. Negotiations between the Orlando Magic and the New York Knicks reportedly involve dealing Amare Stoudemire and the recently acquired Chandler to Orlando.

This is not the correct adjustment.

This would simply substitute one All-Star power forward/center (Stoudemire) for an All Star true center (Howard). We've all witnessed the lack of impact Amare is providing this season in the win-loss column. We're seeing first-hand that Stoudemire is receiving less shots in the paint in this isolation offense that revolves around the success of Carmelo Anthony. Although Carmelo Anthony is averaging over 25 points per game this season, Stoudemire isn't even tacking 18.

Anthony is also shooting 40 percent from the floor.

40 percent.

The alteration necessary for a successful Dwight/NYC scenario is a deal involving the departure of Carmelo Anthony, and his inefficienies. The 6'8" wing-man has tremendous scoring capabilities, grabs over 7 boards a game, shoots 81 percent from the free throw line in his career, and is a piece that any team across the league could use. Unfortunately, he has simultaneously been the downfall of the Knicks, and is the key piece that's denying New York of a potential dynasty (besides a truer point guard than Iman Shumpert, that can make the surrounding players better).

If the Knicks swap out Stoudemire for 'Melo, and still include Chandler in a package deal, that means New York would have the best frontcourt the league has to offer. A Knicks starting five with (insert a true veteran point guard's name here), Toney Douglas, Landry Fields, Amare Stoudemire, and Dwight Howard could stand atop an Eastern Conference that includes the star-studded Miami Heat, a Chicago Bulls team led by the reigning MVP, an emerging Philadelphia 76ers team, and an always underrated Atlanta Hawks roster.

It would bring back an aura Knicks fans haven't felt since the Ewing Era of the early '90's. Except unlike Ewing, Howard and company still have time to earn a ring.