Dwight Howard Trade Rumors: How the Orlando Magic May Be the Real Winner

As Orlando Magic fans are in full distress mode over Chris Broussard’s report that Dwight Howard will request a trade to the New Jersey Nets, I remember the tragic years after Shaquille O'Neal left and the “Heart and Hustle” years that followed.

Orlando had an up-and-coming coach in Doc Rivers, Chauncey Billups—who never played a game for them—and a center that could not get off the bench in Ben Wallace. Those players and that coach went on to win championships elsewhere.

Through panicking, the desire to replace star power and to sell tickets, the Magic inked a max contract with Me-Mac (Tracy McGrady) and sent Wallace to Detroit for a saxophone player named Grant Hill.

The franchise hovered around the 40-win mark and was handcuffed for years to follow. Grant Hill played 200 games over six seasons. Meanwhile, the Original Big Ben and Billups were counting championships in Detroit, as Magic fans were counting the screws in Hill’s ankle.

If Dwight truly wants to go, let him go. Dwight going to New Jersey may actually be a blessing for Orlando. Although Magic fans were led to believe that Dwight wanted to build his own legacy, it appears that he wants to follow in the footsteps of LeBron James and Carmelo Anthony.

What if Jordan would have run away from the Bulls to play for the Lakers? Jordan would not have been Jordan. He’d be Magic/Worthy/Kareem/Cooper/Jordan. Jordan’s brand was built not only on his physical talent, but also on his ability to make others around him better. He defeated the super-teams of the time and often willed the players around him to win.

Dwight Howard has all the physical tools, but he has never shown the leadership skills that are required to win championships. He may be going to New Jersey, LA, or wherever so that he can be led. If that’s the case, then I say goodbye and good luck. Move on to greener pastures. I’ll miss your thunderous dunks and dynamic blocked shots, but I won’t miss your bricks with the game on the line or watching you sit the bench in foul trouble.

It’s easy to be enamored with sexy, but when it comes to winning it takes a leader to win championships.