Dwight Howard to Bulls: Why Is D12 Scared to Play in Chicago?

The Chicago Bulls and reigning MVP Derrick Rose are in a great position to contend for titles for years to come. The problem is, several other teams from the Eastern Conference are in the same boat. Giving up some depth for the best center in the league, Dwight Howard, makes all too much sense.

The only problem? Howard is too afraid to play in Chicago.

If Howard were to list Chicago as a desired destination, he would end up there because the Bulls have plenty of attractive pieces to give to Orlando. The Magic are playing hardball, and the Bulls could present the best deal on the market for Howard without even including another team in the trade.

Howard’s unwillingness to play in Chicago is stunning. He would rather play in New Jersey. Sorry, Brooklyn. He would rather join Deron Williams (an inferior point guard to Rose) and a team that won 24 games last season. Howard’s addition doesn’t improve that tally for a while.

He would also love to play in Los Angeles for the Lakers. Kobe Bryant is arguably the best player in the league, but the positives stop there. Howard would join an ultra-appealing lineup of Derek Fisher, Bryant, Devin Ebanks and Josh McRoberts. Let’s not forget Bryant has only a few years left, so Howard would get to play second fiddle to the Clippers for the rest of his career.

What is it about Chicago that Howard is so afraid of? One shoe executive seems to think it has to do with an Adidas contract. If that’s the case, it’s hard to respect Howard.

Is Howard afraid of joining Rose, the youngest MVP in NBA history? The Bulls are Rose’s team no matter what, after all. That can’t be it because Howard isn’t afraid of joining one of the greatest players of all time in Kobe Bryant. He also isn’t afraid to join Finals MVP Dirk Nowitzki in Dallas.

It has to be Howard is afraid of playing in Michael Jordan’s shadow, correct? LeBron James sure was last season. But that can’t be it either. Howard has no qualms directly mimicking Shaquille O’Neal by ditching Orlando for Los Angeles.

Make no mistake: Rose will win multiple championships without Dwight. With Dwight, the duo will create a Jordan-esque dynasty. Rose is the only player in the league who is not afraid of Jordan’s legacy, recently signing an extension with the Bulls. Rose is also the only player in the league who could do it on his own.

After Howard’s nonchalant performance on Christmas Day, he is simply telling Orlando management he wants out now not later. He can blame it on the lockout all he wants, but his message is clear. However, Howard’s desired destinations aren’t much better than Orlando.

If Howard wants to win a championship this year, and for years to come, he will make a push for a trade to Chicago. Howard is simply too afraid. Or, Howard simply cares more about money than actually winning. That’s what separates players destined for greatness like Rose, and players who quit on their team and city like Howard.

Maybe Howard isn’t the type of competitor we all thought he was. Seems Howard has every NBA fan fooled.

Or, maybe it is the shoes. Oh how the league has changed...