Dwight Howard: Magic Will Make Necessary Decisions If D12 Refuses Extension
Dwight Howard conducts himself with the bravado of a player who believes his team's world revolves solely around him, but the Orlando Magic aren't willing to let him keep running the show unless he starts cooperating.
According to NBCSports.com's Kurt Helin, Orlando's main objective this offseason is to get Howard to sign an extension. If he doesn't, it seems that the Magic are going to do what needs to be done. And whatever that is, it doesn't involve another season full of speculation and drama.
After the Magic were eliminated from the playoffs by the Pacers on Tuesday night, David Baumann tweeted the following:
"I asked #Magic CEO Martins if he'll trade #dwighthoward: "We'll cross that bridge when it comes to it...#1 goal is to get him to sign ext."
— David Baumann (@DavidBaumann33) May 9, 2012"
"#Magic CEO Martins told me on camera w @BHSN that #dwighthoward needs to sign long term extension or "necessary decisions will be made."
— David Baumann (@DavidBaumann33) May 9, 2012"
"Tip of the hat to @JoeKepner who was first to report #Magic CEO Alex Martins was laying down an ultimatum for #dwighthoward to sign or else.
— David Baumann (@DavidBaumann33) May 9, 2012"
This news marks only the latest dramatic turn for a franchise that was in shambles last season, mostly due to Howard's antics. Throughout the course of the strike-shortened season, Howard asked for a trade, then decided he wanted to stay, then decided he wanted out again, then decided he would waive his opt-out clause to stay in Orlando for another year, then decided he only wanted to stay if the team fired head coach Stan Van Gundy.
In the process, Howard sustained a herniated disk that would keep him out of the playoffs. In turn, the Magic looked despicable for the last month of the season before being booted out of the playoffs without much fanfare.
Next season, there will be no power plays or absurd demands. Howard must decide if he's in or out, and it's going to happen before the season starts so that one way or another, the Magic can move on from a dialogue that's become the most tired storyline in the NBA.
The Magic can't afford to have another season like this, and they know it. They also must know that Howard, with his flip-flopping and his ultimatums, developed into something of a locker-room cancer last year. His antics tell the tale of someone who really needs to be put in his place, and perhaps this is exactly what he needed to hear.
Dwight Howard, like every other player in the NBA, is expendable. The league's stars must be reminded that no one—not even "Superman"—is above the team.
