Orlando Magic's Dwight Howard Is New 'Beast in the East'

A new "Beast in the East" was born before the eyes of a national TV audience that watched the Orlando Magic spank LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers out of the NBA Eastern Conference Finals.

Yet, "Superman" Dwight Howard's break-out performance in the decisive game—40 points, 12 boards and four dishes—seemingly played second fiddle to LeBron's peevish exit and much talked- about scenario of how the NBA Finals will be for Kobe Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers to lose.

Ouch! Get out of the way Rodney Dangerfield, here comes Dwight Howard and the Orlando Magic.

Again, Charles Barkley of Inside the NBA on TNT, is one of the few to believe in Magic. He thinks Orlando will prevail in seven. For the record, just as I did in the series against the Cavs, I like the Magic in six.

The key for the Magic is Howard. He is the new Beast in the East.

There was much hype about the inevitable showdown between LeBron and Kobe in the NBA Finals. Just about everyone discounted Howard and his team.

Howard's dominance in Game Six was no fluke. He has developed fancy footwork inside the paint and a deft touch to finish with either hand. He's less likely to be stripped of the ball like he used to by finding the open shooter when the double-and-triple-team comes. Also, his free throws have become less of a crap shoot.

Howard is even getting the shooter's bounce more often when his free throws hit iron.

Remember, Howard is just 23 and improving with every game. It is obvious that he is being overlooked by too many pundits quick to jump on the Kobe and LeBron bandwagon.

A dominant big man is the key ingredient to winning NBA titles in bunches.

Bill Russell brought the banners to the Celtics of yesteryear. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Shaquille O'Neal did the same for the Lakers. Tim Duncan anchored the streak of trophies for the Spurs.

If you're following my drift, yes, I am predicting multiple NBA titles for the Magic beginning now.

How many titles have Kobe's Lakers won since Shaq left LA? I'll take a great center over a great shooter any time for my team!

Howard is great enough to carry his teammates on his shoulders right now. The scary part is that he's only beginning to learn this game.