LeBron James: Why Dwight Howard's Indecision Was Worse Than King James' Decision

The Dwight Howard soap opera is over. With Howard signing off on his early termination option and announcing that he will play out the rest of his contract in a press conference with the Magic on March 15, speculation of Orlando’s iconic center leaving the franchise that drafted him first overall in 2004 immediately came to a close.

Howard’s decision—or “Indecision” rather, as tabbed by the Chicago Tribune—will constantly draw comparisons to other NBA superstars electing to continue their careers with other franchises. Chris Paul and Carmelo Anthony recently went through similar trials, though those moves weren't as notorious as LeBron James’ choice to leave his hometown Cleveland Cavaliers in 2010.

James will always be labeled a villain for choosing to team up with Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh in Miami to chase an NBA Championship with the Heat, but was the turmoil caused by Howard with his indecisiveness more sinful than James choosing to leave?

Well, in reaction to Howard’s proclamation, James commented on what he thought of his situation constantly being compared to those of other migrating stars. Here’s what James said to Brian Windhorst of ESPN:

"

I fulfilled my contract in Cleveland. I was an unrestricted free agent and I could have done whatever I wanted to do. I was free, that's what the collective bargaining is all about. That's why the rules is put in like that. ...I think the best thing about [Howard] is he's happy. The organization is happy that he's staying and they can move on with their season. But none of their situations—not Chris Paul, not Carmelo Anthony, not Dwight Howard—none of their situations is like mine.

"

In essence, James feels like his situation was justified because he played out the duration of his contract before expressing any desire to leave the Cavaliers. While his move was widely criticized and frowned upon by the sporting world—including NBA greats Michael Jordan and Charles Barkley—there is some indisputable truth behind his words.

James was a free agent, and he had preformed the task he was legally bound to by the contract he signed with the Cavs in 2006. While some might have felt that James was morally obligated to return for another championship run with Cleveland once his deal expired, James was in no way bound to the team for the rest of his career. Commissioner David Stern even cited his right to sign wherever he pleased prior to James’ announcement.

So while James didn’t fulfill the ‘moral duty’ that people expected of him, he did comply to the terms of his contract.  While the Cavs franchise was devastated with the loss of their star, the team should have had a plan in place pending his departure, rather than just relying on his return.

James indicates that the biggest difference between his ordeal and Howard is that he had played out his contract, implying that he had fulfilled his agreement to the franchise he signed with. Howard, on the other hand, still had at least the remainder of this season to complete before he could enter free agency.

And while some might say that Howard was trying to assist the franchise he intended on leaving by ensuring that Orlando got back suitable talent in exchange for his departure (like the Anthony deal last season), Howard essentially broke his contract by indicating he no longer wanted to play for the Magic.

In any situation, Howard should have made his choice to leave a private request within the organization. Howard going public with his trade demand not only turned the whole ordeal into a media fiasco, but it created a huge distraction for a team that looked to contend in 2012. With new trade rumors hitting the presses daily since the start of the season, Howard nearly became detrimental to the team’s success.

Things got really out of control when Howard usurped head coach Stan Van Gundy for power within the organization. With the franchise giving him the option to fire Van Gundy and GM Otis Smith at a moment's notice, it demeaned the authority and control Van Gundy and Smith need to do their jobs effectively.

This brazen act will likely have long-term ramifications on the relationship between Howard, Van Gundy and Smith, as well as future moves made by the organization.

Howard theoretically has total control over every basketball related transaction Orlando makes from here on out. By putting Howard on this high a pedestal, coaches and executive personnel alike will incessantly walk on eggshells under the constant pressure of pleasing the irresolute 25-year-old.

While Howard might be perceived right now as ‘loyal’ for making the decision to remain with the Magic, the route he took to do so is in turn why “Indecision 2012” will forever live infamy.

But who’s to say there isn’t more to come? Howard’s contract expires in 2013, so we might be having this conversation all over again next season.

We can only hope not.