The first thing I looked at when I was watching Saturday's Magic-Hawks box score was Dwight Howard's performance.
Howard had a monster game, as I expected. His 46 points tied the franchise record for most in a postseason game. Howard also had the most rebounds (19) in Game 1 over the weekend.
If you are a Magic fan, you're happy to see those stats.
Then, I looked at the final score: Hawks 103-Orlando 93.
I got even more upset when I looked closer at the stat sheet. With the exception of Jameer Nelson, no one on the Magic scored in double digits.
It's inexcusable to come away with a loss after your team's best player has arguably his best performance of the season. It's supposed to be an exaggeration when someone says a player scored half the team's points, not a fact.
As a center, there's only so much Howard can do. He needs the perimeter players to step up, and they haven't been doing that.
Unfortunately, I doubt that Howard's surrounding cast will ever step up to the level needed to win an NBA title. Nelson shows flashes of brilliance, which we saw in his 20-point third quarter against the Hawks, but he is only a good guard at best. The Magic needs consistent greatness at that position to win the title.
Consistent scoring was expected to come from Gilbert Arenas, Hedo Turkoglu or Jason Richardson. However, none of them have stepped up, and it has led to inconsistent play for Orlando.
Howard is a great leader on and off the court. He is the best player the Magic has had since the departure of Tracy McGrady. There are better opportunities for the star center outside of Florida.
To justify this statement, check out McGrady's career. It's no secret he is one of the most skilled guards to ever play the game. Despite his statistical achievements, he's always going to have to carry the stigma of never winning an NBA title.
Critics aren't the only ones judgmental of his inability to get a ring. McGrady also knows he's always going to be carrying that chip on his shoulder. I will always remember the press conference where he cried after losing in the 2007 playoffs. Though he's been a warrior throughout his career, McGrady has never received the validation that comes with being a champion. And if you look at his current situation, you'll see it's quite possible he never will.
I don't want that same heartbreak to happen to Howard.
Yes, Howard means a lot to the Magic and there will be some backlash if he decides to leave after next season, but he gave 100 percent for his team and deserves to do what's best for him.
I'd say the best move for Howard is signing with either the Nets or the Bulls. Howard would be a great complement for Brook Lopez in the post if he chooses the Nets. He would also have firepower in the form of Deron Williams in the backcourt. I think the three would make a good enough nucleus for the Nets to make it back to the top.
Howard to the Bulls would also be a great decision because he'd be teaming up with an elite player in Derrick Rose. If they are both on one team, the duo may very well return Chicago to the NBA dominance it saw in the '90s.
If Orlando doesn't win a championship within the next two seasons, Howard should seriously consider switching teams. If he doesn't, Superman will have a huge burden to carry.
Email: brian.josephs@ubspectrum.com
