However, there still are possibilities that stroll through these players minds even today, despite generic claim that all players say at press conferences that they just care about each game and getting a championship.
But let's land in reality here. They still think about things that could be; they still lay down every night and have time to ponder; they're not robots. So let's do what happens psychologically anyways... let's think about the future.
Nonetheless, here's how I see Dwight. I see him as a powerhouse center who seems to never really be in the fear of teams that will grab the title. There comes a point in every players career where a championship ring being part of their legacy is seen as a necessity, no matter the costs. Especially with someone that has the caliber of a Magic center.
Where's the most reasonable way to birth this necessity for Mr. Howard? I'd say no other than the Philidelphia 76ers.
The 76ers are a team right now that frankly, unless they pull off a Lehigh or Norfolk State, (Relevant Topic - 20 blogging points) don't have the stability behind them to win a championship. Andre Iguodala, has the capability of being a star, but it shows more and more in this league, that a power center that can at least be a threat psychologically, is what makes a complete team.
I see Iguodala having just enough sustaining power to make a Dwight Howard combo seem threatening in a different way. Call me too philosophical, but if a combo like Kobe and Dwight happened, it would cause too much of a underdog concept every game, making the other team play with a "get the bad guy," mindset. Therefore making that team play with higher adrenaline.
I say, catch them off guard, yet still make a powerful team, go with the Sixers.
I spoke about it in my "Talk Edition," and I'll say it again. Though it kind of goes without saying, I think we can officially put our knives diagonally on our plates with the "Three Musketeers." I'm not just saying they aren't as good, I'm saying they should do something about it. The Celtics got their championship with this, now they need to restructure. Keep Rondo. Keep Rondo. Keep Rondo. Sorry I didn't mention that earlier. But yes, base this team around the consistently best player anymore for the team, just get something out of your "stars" now. I'd say the Bobcats should find a way to bag Garnett, get some attention on the organization, beyond MJ's authority, that they can use to pull in other players to work around. Once a fan base grows for any reason, then a lot of things fall into place. I think we saw it happen with OKC. Granted Kevin Durant is one the best players in the league right now, but it still was interesting how quickly the fan base created a dominant team environment.
I think that the Lakers will pull for Allen, that can be the trade that the fans were waiting for, that will kind of suffice for the Dwight expectation. A good solid shooter, whether it be for only 20 minutes or so a game is something that would actually benefit Coach Browns crew. Get a guy that that can legit take the shot burden off of Kobe.
Pierce is the guy that would have the best chance at being an actual lead player for his new team. If the Kings are ready, they could grab Paul, and work around a nice Evans, Cousins, and Pierce triplet. Again, kind of having that "star" effect, where they would be able to have Cousins and Evans really work at what they do. It would seem like a disappointment for Pierce at first, but I think real damage could be done there.
Uh oh, why is Kyle Lowry above this sentence. Well, it's because he's involved with my most original trade concept that I see being reasonable and capable for the 2012 season. What does Houston need right now? They need a Ming compensation that never was truly filled. <This guy> tried and nothing prevailed. However, I think a solution that would freshen and benefit each team is deal that would sound like this on your local sports broadcast: "In NBA news, Kyle Lowry was traded to the Memphis Grizzlies today for Memphis center Marc Gasol. The trade also included the Grizzlies receiving a 2nd round draft pick from the Rockets."
Hows that sound? That's right, Marc Gasol. I'm not saying this out of fun or humor, I'm saying this out of logic and premonition.
Knowing my authenticity in this statement......What do you think? It's a prediction that seems necessary in my eyes.
So we've done the deed. We've talked about next year, before this year even finishes. The summer conversation has already commenced within the brink of March. I'm just giving this month the "Madness" that it desires.