With a return to the NBA season fast approaching and players and teams finally setting up shop in the "bubble" that is the enclosed environment in Orlando, Florida in which those participating will spend the next few months living, practicing and playing all games, sports fans will be relieved when the league's tips-off its return on July 31. All but eight teams have been invited and will resume the 2019-20 NBA season that came to a screeching halt and was suspended over four months ago back on March 11, following the early stages of the Covid-19 pandemic that has since then taken the world by storm and rock the nation. These are unprecedented times that both the league and its players have never before encountered, and because of that, we're likely in store for a finish that will be unlike any we've ever seen and might not ever see again.
At the time of the league's stoppage, the Milwaukee Bucks (53-12) and Los Angeles Lakers (49-14) were at the top of their respective conferences in the NBA standings with the Lakers as the odds on favorite to win it all. And while those odds have not slipped thru the grasp of the Lake Show despite the layoff, one thing that could greatly change and witness a rise in stock if the Lakers were to hoist the Larry O'Brien Trophy this year, is the legacy of one LeBron James. With James already in the discussion of the game's all-time greats, many believe it's become a two-man debate between LeBron and his airness -- Michael Jordan. While LeBron's legacy continues to be etched, some pundits have ruled out James entirely and believe he's incapable of ever catapulting his way passed MJ for the top spot regardless of what he does from here on out, often pointing to the handful of Finals defeats LeBron has suffered throughout his career as his record stands at 3-6. But by the same token, those Finals appearances have to hold some water and stand for something as he's one of just six players to ever appear in eight straight NBA Finals, joining five players of the 1960's Boston Celtics. And while it might not be the be all end all defining achievement that allows LeBron to leapfrog Jordan for the title as the G.O.A.T., winning a championship in this pandemic-stricken season would certainly be a major feather in James' cap and would help strengthen his case tremendously.
As legendary as Jordan's career was, he never had to overcome an obstacle quite like the one created by the novel Corona Virus that has continued to cause more trouble than any opponent on the hardwood ever has. With home-court advantage no longer a factor, pre-game and post-game routines as good as gone and even something as simple as sleeping in ones own bed out of the picture, times are strange for today's NBA player as those leaving the bubble or those seen roaming about without a mask or face covering open themselves up for criticism, a fine, or even suspension as LeBron's Laker teammate Dwight Howard can vouch for. Howard who was seen congregating without a mask on, fell victim to the league's anonymous tip hotline earlier this week, a hotline put in place for players and league staff to report any wrongdoing committed by those in the bubble who aren't following the league's safety guidelines. LeBron and the Lakers have already lost one teammate caused by the pandemic in point guard Avery Bradley, citing health and safety concerns and can ill-afford to lose another. Not to mention point guard Rajon Rondo who will be sidelined for 6 to 8 weeks while nursing a fractured right thumb suffered during practice just days into the team's arrival. Barring another stoppage caused by the virus, King James, as determined as ever after narrowing the gap and making strides in catching Giannis Antetokounmpo in the MVP race, will either have yet another chink in his armor or one more notch under his belt come seasons end.
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No more sleeping with the lights on and hiding under your covers, the "Dwightmare" is over. After days of weighing his options, NBA All-Star center Dwight Howard has made his decision on where he'll be taking his talents for the upcoming 2013-2014 NBA season and beyond -- Houston, as the signing was made official on Wednesday. Hoping to make basketball in Houston as synonymous with the city as codeine syrup and screwed and chopped music, Howard plans to bring the franchise its first championship since the team won back-to-back titles in 1994-95 with another dominant big man in Hakeem Olajuwon. And though he didn't make his decision on national television like LeBron James did a few season's back which rubbed people the wrong way, he still made a lot of people unhappy. However, there won't be any need for lighter fluid and matches to burn jersey's like we saw when LeBron made his often criticized decision to leave his home state of Ohio for the sandy beaches of Miami, mainly because Howard's departure didn't take everyone by surprise quite like LeBron's.
Even after Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak finalized the deal that was several years in the making to finally land the best big man in the league last offseason, we were all aware of the possibility of Howard being a one-year rent-a-player. What we didn't know, however, was just how mightily a Lakers squad which featured Kobe Bryant, Steve Nash, Pau Gasol and Howard would struggle. While injuries were partially to blame for their early elimination in the playoffs, falling to the eventual Western Conference Champion San Antonio Spurs in a four-game sweep, the Lakers' star-studded cast had a hard time gelling even when healthy which had to have made Dwight's decision to walk a bit easier. Not to mention Lakers head coach Mike D'Antoni's system which Dwight felt he was unfit for, whom he asked the Lakers to fire in November in favor of Phil Jackson. Having suffered from a torn labrum and coming off of back surgery in his lone season with the purple and gold, Howard received plenty of criticism from Los Angeles' media circus while getting little support from teammates Steve Nash and Kobe Bryant who he told during negotiations before making his decision, he was upset with after they failed to come to his aid and stick up for him.
Further spoiling the relationship between Howard and the Lakers organization was when Howard publicly said he, "never really felt embraced in L.A." But all things considered, even that would make it difficult to walk away from the extra $30 Million dollars that only the Lakers could offer him. Though it's become a rarity in sports these days, Howard's decision to ditch Tinseltown to play for a much younger Rockets franchise in a small market is proof that money isn't everything. Also left on the table along with $30 Million dollars is the torch to the Laker team that Kobe planned to hand down once he retires in the next few years. With big men being the foundation that paved the way to a number of NBA titles from Laker greats George Mikan to Wilt Chamberlain, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to Shaquille O'Neal and so on, Howard walked away from the thought of becoming the latest big man to write his own chapter in Laker lore. If there's one thing Laker fans did learn about the failed experiment that brought the 27-year old Howard to L.A., it was that playing under the brightest of lights in Hollywood were just too much for him to handle and that the real Superman was indeed Shaq.
Where the Lakers go from here is anyone's guess. Though not signing Howard adds to the money Mitch Kupchak and company will save from an already hefty fee from the league's luxury-tax, it also opens the door even wider for the Lakers to go after not one, but two superstar talents via free-agency next off-season in a free-agent class that will most likely feature such star-studded names as LeBron James and Carmelo Anthony among others. As for the Rockets who landed arguably the most coveted free-agent player of the off-season alongside All-Star point-guard Chris Paul who announced earlier this week that he'll be re-signing with the Los Angeles Clippers, Howard joins a young squad led by the rising Chandler Parsons and the bearded James Harden who reached super stardom after leaving Oklahoma City last season. And with head coach Kevin McHale at the helm who knows a thing or two about playing inside the post and figures to utilize Howard to his full potential. Something Howard felt coach Mike D'Antoni failed to do in L.A.
Before making his decision and choosing Houston as his destination, Howard's list of suitors included the Atlanta Hawks, Dallas Mavericks and Golden State Warriors, all of whom he eliminated before eventually choosing between the Lakers and the Rockets. A choice he described as, "tough" before saying he made his decision solely on winning a title and not the money. And though Kobe Bryant took to his Twitter account to wish Dwight Howard the best with his new team after un-following him from the social networking site, we all know deep down that he doesn't mean it. Similar to when a man says he wishes his ex the best when she's in a relationship, it's all a lie. Even with Howard in the mix, I still have a hard time placing the Rockets ahead of the Spurs, Thunder, Warriors and Clippers in the Western Conference power rankings.
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While the NBA season is still in full swing for those teams still battling it out in the playoffs, the biggest storyline coming into the year has already reached an early climax. Entering the 2012-2013 NBA season, expectations were at an all-time high for the Los Angeles Lakers who added future Hall of Fame players Steve Nash and Dwight Howard to a roster that already included All-Stars Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol. On paper the team seemed virtually unstoppable and had the potential to be one of the greatest squads ever put together in Laker land. Little did they know that everything that could go wrong would. With injuries plaguing the team all season long, it was their defense that was often criticized.
Entering the final month of the NBA schedule, the Lakers found themselves in and out of the playoff picture leading to a playoff promise by their team captain Kobe Bryant. And though the Lakers would deliver on Kobe's guarantee on the final day of the regular season by defeating the Houston Rockets in an overtime thriller to lock up the No. 7 seed, the man himself was unable to help his team reach their ultimate goal in the NBA Finals as L.A. was swept in the first round for only the second time in franchise history by the San Antonio Spurs. But to say the Lakers were short-handed would be an understatement. Nash, Gasol and Howard all missed games due to injury and were joined by teammates Jordan Hill, Metta World Peace, Jodie Meeks, Antawn Jamison and Steve Blake as those who fell victim to the injury bug. But what happened to Kobe Bryant seemed almost unreal.
For many fans of the Lakers and basketball alike, Kobe has virtually evolved into this superhero-like character that nobody thought was capable of falling to an injury of this magnitude. The moment Kobe went down with a torn Achilles tendon, it seemed as their championship hopes were destined to soon follow. And while many were quick to point the finger at Lakers head coach Mike D'Antoni as the reason Kobe had played more than 40+ minutes for seven consecutive games, D'Antoni deserves as much blame as I do. Kobe and his teammates know that had they played more consistently all season long and not just won games down the stretch with their backs against the wall, Bryant wouldn't have needed to play so many minutes that late in the season in hopes of securing a playoff position. Besides, Kobe's been around long enough to demand some time on the bench to catch his breath if need be.
Now that the nightmare that was the Lakers' 2012-2013 season is over as Dwight Howard described it, the three biggest questions and concerns entering next year are as followed:
1. Is Dwight Howard the future of the Lakers franchise and will they re-sign him?
The Lakers made it no surprise that they've wanted to add Dwight Howard to their team for years and last offseason they finally got their wish. And though his first campaign with the purple & gold didn't end the way Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak had in mind, it's unlikely Howard was at full strength at any time this year while recovering from back surgery during the offseason. It's also important to look at what's available at center and what other options the Lakers can go with. When at 100% Dwight Howard is the best center in all of basketball. When limited as he was this year, he's still in the top 3. And though Howard's first impression in L.A. wasn't a very good one, the Lakers can offer him a max contract of $118 Million over 5 years where as he can make a max of just $87.6 Million if he were to sign elsewhere. While Dallas, Houston and Atlanta are all rumored to be interested in his services, who in their right mind would leave $30 Million on the table to play for another team? Neither of the mentioned teams have a brighter future with their current roster than the Lakers do with Houston maybe being the only exception.
2. Is Mike D'Antoni the man for the job?
With every Laker fan in the world including me going to say no in favor of bringing back Phil Jackson, it appears as if that ship has sailed for good. The Lakers had their chance to bring in Phil for a third stint as head coach before the hiring of D'Antoni and decided to move on. After signing D'Antoni to a 3-year, $12 Million deal in November, it's unlikely the team will cut ties with him a year into his contract. Then again, that's exactly what they did with the man D'Antoni replaced in Mike Brown who was relieved of his duties just a year and 5 games into his 4-year deal signed in 2011. And considering he took over a team trying to find its identity as well as plug in two All-Star players in Dwight Howard and Steve Nash who struggled to get on the same page offensively as Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol, he deserves a full year at the helm to try and right this ship.
3. Have we seen the end of the Kobe Bryant era in L.A.?
The answer to this question relies more so on the decision of the Lakers' front-office than it does on Kobe. We all know Kobe is as hard headed and stubborn as they come and no player in the league wants to win another title more than Bryant does. The question is, what is he willing to sacrifice in order to get that sixth ring? While the possibility of the Lakers amnestying Kobe has been a popular topic of discussion this season, the smartest thing to do would be for Kobe to take a pay-cut. Maybe I'm reaching when I say this but what better way to help your team add talent in hopes of winning a title than to show you're a team player by taking less money. But say there is no pay-cut, Bryant who will be 35 years old at the start of next season and most likely won't be cleared to play until mid-season, is scheduled to make $30.5 Million in salary next year. That total could climb to $80 Million for the Lakers franchise after factoring in the luxury tax. But as smart of a move as that sounds, it's hard to think a premiere franchise with such class as the Lakers would let a 17-year run which saw 5 championship banners get raised go down the drain with arguably the greatest player to ever don a Laker uniform. Not to mention how big a blow the franchise would endure in the PR department. So if you asked me, I'd say no. The Kobe era in Tinseltown is not over and the Black Mamba will be that much hungrier to prove the critics wrong and add another title to his resume.
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After nearly a year of ongoing speculation, what's become known as the 'Dwightmare' is officially over. At least for now. Having been the centerpiece of trade rumors dating back to last season, Dwight Howard was finally granted his ticket out of Orlando thanks in large part to the never ending saga of distractions and a blockbuster four-team trade. Howard, the first overall pick of the 2004 NBA Draft who helped transform a struggling Orlando Magic franchise into a playoff staple before later becoming the team's all-time leading scorer, will now play for the team who deprived him of winning a title just four seasons ago -- the Los Angeles Lakers.
In what was already considered a successful off-season which saw the arrival of 2-time MVP point-guard Steve Nash, the addition of Dwight Howard makes this off-season one for the books in the minds of Laker fans and basketball fans alike. Howard, the Magic's all-time leading scorer is just the latest addition to an already formidable squad that also features Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol. Having built dynasty after dynasty around some of the most dominant big men in the history of the game from all-time greats such as George Mikan, Wilt Chamberlain, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Shaquille O'Neal, the Lakers look to add another chapter with the acquisition of Dwight Howard. Following in the tracks of another former Magic great -- Shaq, who also ditched Orlando for the bright lights of Hollywood under the nickname 'Superman', Dwight told the media he appreciated being put in the same class as those dominant big men who played before him, but made it very clear that he plans to make history of his own and wants to be great in his own right.
But is the acquisition of Howard & Nash enough for the Lakers to leapfrog the Oklahoma City Thunder as the perennial favorites in the Western Conference? I'd say so. But the picture is bigger than that. After a number of tries, Lakers GM Mitch Kupchak not only made the move he's been longing for, but the one that Howard's new teammate Kobe Bryant says will keep the team afloat for many years once he decides to hang it up. Kobe, who was unable to meet with Howard in person following the trade because he was overseas playing in the London Olympics where he looked to add another gold medal to his already impressive trophy case, spoke to the media about the future of both his career and the Lakers organization moving forward. "I'll probably play two or three more years. Then the team is his." Of course assuming Howard re-signs long-term with L.A. once he's eligible for free-agency following the 2012-2013 season. Having now found a long-term solution for when the day comes that the Kobe era comes to an end in Lakerland, fans of the purple & gold will no longer have to lose sleep wondering who will lead the franchise once the Black Mamba retires.
Just like Andrew Bynum who will be forgotten about despite helping the Lakers win back-to-back NBA titles in 2009 and 2010 since being drafted by L.A. at the young age of 17, what won't get talked about nearly enough regarding the deal is the fact that Kupchak was able to work his magic all while managing to keep Pau Gasol who at first glance was thought to be a for sure lock to be dealt in order to land Howard. Without Gasol the team is very good on paper, with him they're great. One thing Howard didn't mention during his press-conference, however, was winning a championship. But perhaps he'd rather be about it instead of talking about it. That's a mentality the 26-year old center will eventually adopt while playing alongside Kobe Bryant.
Who came and who went? - In order to get a lot, you've got to give a lot. That saying applied here as the Lakers had to part with the second best center in the league in order to obtain the first best. While the Lakers sent Andrew Bynum to the Philadelphia 76ers who also received Jason Richardson from Orlando, Philly dealt Andre Iguodala to the Denver Nuggets. Highlighting the Magic's transformation next season will be Aaron Afflalo and Al Harrington who are joined by Nikola Vucevic, Moe Harkless, Josh McRoberts and Christian Eyenga. Making the transition from Orlando to Los Angeles with Howard were Magic teammates Chris Duhon and Earl Clark. Orlando will also look to rebuild via the draft as they received five draft picks in total; three first-round picks and two second-round picks. And though it may take longer than fans would like for the Magic to return as playoff contenders, trading Howard and preparing for the future makes a lot more sense for the organization opposed to hanging on to Howard for another year only to have him walk and sign elsewhere the following summer as a free-agent. But that's not to say the earlier trade proposals which surfaced regarding Howard to either the Houston Rockets or Booklyn Nets weren't better suited for Orlando.
The Beverly Hills hotel in which Howard has lived in for the past several months while rehabbing since undergoing back surgery is just a stones throw away from his new home of Staples Center. And though Howard is expected to miss the first few games or so while recovering, the team should be getting an early Christmas present when he returns. If worse comes to worse, they could see him in action as late as Christmas day when the Lakers play host to the New York Knicks.
So far this offseason has saw the Lakers upgrade in two positions the consensus favorite and defending champion Miami Heat lack most and are most vulnerable at -- center and point-guard. And in doing so the Lakers have once again stolen the spotlight in the NBA as the one team everyone will have their eyes on and will be wanting to see come the start of the season.
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With all signs pointing towards the NBA kicking off it's 2011-12 season after all, the hot stove is beginning to heat up with rumors circulating regarding two blockbuster trades in particular. And with the window of opportunity closing in bean town as Boston's big three continue to grow older, Celtics GM Danny Ainge is hoping to find the one piece missing to the puzzle that would help put the team over the top for one final run at another NBA title. According to sources that final piece is Hornets All-Star point guard Chris Paul which would mean Boston's Rajon Rondo heading to New Orleans. Better known as CP3, Paul is expected to hit the free agent market next off-season and would only be part of the Celtics plans if they were able to sign him to a long-term deal, something CP3 says he isn't interested in.
All of that could change however, say if the Hornets are off out of playoff contention once the trade deadline approaches and Paul wants to play for a team with a chance to win. If not then we could very well see Chris Paul in New York playing alongside Carmelo Anthony and Amare Stoudemire next year. But whether or not the deal goes down, the Celtics almost have to move Rondo somewhere given he's been the subject of trade talk for the past several years now which can only toy with ones mind. Despite still being on the team, if I'm Rondo I'm feeling unwanted in Boston and I'm strongly considering demanding a trade if not signing elsewhere as soon as possible.
In other trade news: As the New Jersey Nets prepare to relocate to Brooklyn in time for the 2012-13 season where they hope to start a new chapter, the franchise is hoping they can bring with them a marquee player that can convince their All-Star point guard in Deron Williams to stay and sign to a long-term deal as well as get the Nets back to their winning ways. And while a number of teams have shown interest in next year's biggest free agent Dwight Howard, no team has been more aggressive to land the 3-time Defensive Player of the Year thus far than the Nets. Rumor has it New Jersey is on the verge of offering their own standout center Brooke Lopez and two first round draft picks to Orlando as well as take on the dead-weight contract of Magic forward Hedo Turkoglu in exchange for Howard.
As much as the Magic front-office and fans would like to be optimistic about bringing Howard back once his contract expires, the chances of that happening are slim as the 5-time All-Star has expressed in the past how he wants to play for a contender, a description the Magic don't necessarily fit. For a franchise likely to lose their star player to free agency, the team might be better off getting something in return now rather than letting Howard sign elsewhere and getting nothing. With that said, if I'm Orlando's general manager Otis Smith I'm definitely keeping my ears open to offers. If the Magic do decide to hang on to Howard for the entire season however, don't be surprised if he's playing in L.A. next year donning the purple and gold.
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Will the real Superman please stand up - For years now, NBA super star Shaquille O'Neal has been known by a number of different aliases throughout his career. Shaq, The Big Shaqtus, Shaq Diesel and Superman are all monikers the former NBA MVP has gone by. He even has a 'Superman' tattoo to prove it. However, a rising star by the name of Dwight Howard has also recently been dubbed the nickname "Superman", most notably for the show he put on during the Sprite Slam Dunk Contest in 2008. Prior to one of his dunk attempts, the 7-footer put on a cape from a Superman costume and revealed a shirt with the iconic Superman "S" logo from under his jersey. Although he threw the ball in instead of dunking it, he still went on to be crowned the Slam Dunk winner and has since been referred to as 'Superman'.Following Thursday night's 115-106 win over the defending Eastern Conference Champion Orlando Magic, Cleveland Cavaliers center Shaquille O'Neal was a bit angered that he was getting doubled-teamed, even after not doubling up on Howard. In a post-game interview, Shaq had a few unfriendly words to say regarding the newly named 'Superman'. "Superman my ass. When I was coming up and there was Ewing and Hakeem, I never doubled anybody. You tell me who the real Superman is. Don’t compare me to anybody. I’d rather not be mentioned. I’m offended. Hakeem, Ewing, Rik Smits, Duncan, Robinson, the best of the best, straight up. I never doubled nobody.”Dwight on the other hand says he doesn't want any beef with the 18-year veteran and I can't blame him. On Saturday night, Howard was on hand in Dallas to help commentate the All-Star events alongside the cast of TNT's 'Inside the NBA'. & With Charles Barkley behind the mic, you already knew trouble was brewing. Prior to the NBA All-Star Skills Challenge, Barkley tried instigating the incident by asking Howard what he was going to do about it, hoping to add fuel to the fire. Howard simply responded, "I'm not going to do anything, Shaq's like 50 years old." Howard also said he didn't know anyone referred to Shaq as 'Superman' and said he'll change his nickname.If you ask me, I think Shaq's just trying to get to Dwight's head, hoping to create mind games. Mind games that would effect what looks to be a preview and rematch of the Eastern Conference Finals. When the two teams faced off last year in the playoffs, the Cavs were unable to contain the talented Howard with the likes of Anderson Varejao and Big Z. But with the addition of Shaq during this past offseason, the team addressed the one position they needed most help in, in hopes of keeping Dwight Howard to a minimum. Using Shaq as a weapon both physically and psychologically could be the deciding factor come playoff time. However, it's unlikely that the 24 year old will let any further comments effect him like this one has.
As far as the nickname goes, I think it's all gone too far. & As dominant of a player Shaq was during his earlier years with the Lakers, it's pretty clear that 'Superman' has found his 'Kryptonite', and that is his age. With that being said, I think it's time to pass the torch. Who do you think dons the cape?
