NBA Lockout: Dwight Howard Could Head to Boston Celtics with No 2011-12 Season
Dwight Howard has still been a major topic throughout the NBA lockout. Of course, he would not be a free agent until 2012. However, with one less season for the Orlando Magic to prove they can contend for a championship, Howard’s decision will be a little easier to make.
With no 2011 season to hang his hat on, or for the Orlando front office to convince him of their commitment to winning, Howard will be flocking to places that have already exhibited the trait. Places like Boston and New York are craving men of his stature to save them from crushing defeat and many may even feel like he is the missing piece to the Finals puzzle.
No one can readily deny that he would be everything a franchise is looking for. Look at his personality, to start off the argument. His emotions are infectious, at least for most people. When he is smiling the entire bench feeds off of his positive energy. His drive is enough to bring the most mediocre talent to high ground, yet he was unable to do so for his teammates in Orlando.
This is one of the ultimate reasons a non-Orlando fan can give for Dwight Howard’s exit. But, besides what he was not able to do with the men given to him in Orlando, there are loads of things he could do alongside Carmelo Anthony, Kobe Bryant or even Paul Pierce.
Paul Pierce, who signed to a long-term contract with the Boston Celtics, and Rajon Rondo could use a big body defensively seeing as how Kevin Garnett’s years are numbered. Garnett missing a slew of games in the 2010 season, where the Celtics eventually fell below Miami Heat in the Eastern Conference rankings, was a telltale sign that Boston may just need to start looking for replacements. The idea is not impossible.
Think hard and long about what kind of opportunities playing with a veteran and accomplished team like the Celtics would bring Howard.
He would fit right in and with the possible exit of Glen "Big Baby" Davis the Celtics need a steadily productive big man. His average of 22.9 points and 14.1 rebounds per game would not scare away franchises from bidding for the superstar center. Howard has the ability to add to the chemistry of the squad without damaging what has already been in place for years.
Why? That is what winners are born and bred to do.
It would never be a problem with egos, because all Howard and the men already placed on the Celtics’ roster, including front man Doc Rivers, are concerned with is returning to glory. Only winning a single game in Round 2 of the Eastern Conference playoffs against the Miami Heat, thanks primarily to LeBron James’ clutch efforts, had to be more than a tad bit disappointing.
Pierce fought long and hard to build the notoriety in Boston that he has today. There were moments where no one was sure if he would ever succeed in the franchise.
Now that those doubters have been silenced, there are others that need to be silenced. Rivers and Danny Ainge will make whatever changes necessary, including shipping Kendrick Perkins to the Oklahoma City Thunder, to make sure Boston will forever instill angst in the hearts of any Eastern or Western Conference foe.
Dwight Howard is being pushed into the arms of another suitor. Unfortunately, Orlando will not have a chance to prove to him or themselves that they can truly contend. Blame the lockout for his exit if he decides to explore free agency and ultimately leaves Orlando for good.
The Magic had one season to do it. The owners, the commissioner and the hardheaded players are making it impossible.
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