Dwight, Drunk Dial and State Taxes 

Where to begin?

...Magic Nation, we watched in amusement the goings on in Cleveland and Denver over the last few years.  Now, it ain't so amusing anymore, is it?  We're the ones going through this free agency frenzy.  Nothing like drama each and every day.  Do yourselves a huge favor--Log off the computer, put down the phone, fuggetabout FB and Twitter for a while and take a walk.  Go play golf.  Take a walk on the beach.  Buy some Christmas presents.  Breathe!  Until something happens with Dwight Howard, the social media rumor mill is gonna drive you to the nearest padded room.  Take a break from all the rumors, speculation and innuendo and just relax. 

...I can honestly say that this ole geezer learned a new term this week:  drunk dial! 

...There have always been these whispers around outgoing CEO Bob Vander Weide--about him being a pretty face in an empty suit.  Listen, Bob married well.  There's no question about that.  But, in my 20 years of knowing BVW, I have found him to be extremely bright, shrewd, ultra competitive and very community-oriented.  Bob served this team and this town very well.  I am sad to see that Bob is stepping aside--but I am happy for him that he will get to spent more time with his family.

...Frankly, I am disappointed in Dwight.  Why did he think it would be to his advantage to leak to the media that he got a 'drunk dial' from Vander Weide earlier this week?  I don't care if Dwight leaked it---whether it was his agent---or one of his guys--you keep those things in-house.  Of course, as a member of the media, I am talking out of both sides of my mouth because the story made for great copy.  I will admit to that.  But, why would Dwight do this?  To make the organization look like the heavy?  Bush League move.  Maybe he'll tell us on Media Day, that is, if he's still around?

...I am sick and tired of hearing the question, "What do you think Dwight's gonna do?"  Imagine how Otis and Dwight feel?  My take?  I think Dwight has told Otis that IF he can go out and get a Robin to his Batman---if Otis can pull off getting another star for Dwight to team up with--then he's got a good chance of staying.  If Otis cannot pull off a deal for another star, he's gone.

...If Dwight leaves, which team would he end up with in the long run?  The Lakers.  I am convinced of that.  I believe that Kobe's been trying to G-M Superman to So-Cal for the last few years now.  From a professional standpoint, it's hard to argue against such a move--even though I will eventually come up with something.  The Lakers sport 16 championship banners, second only to the Celtics.  Dwight would become the next great Laker big man to succeed Mikan, Wilt, Kareem and Shaq.  Bah Humbug...  

...If Dwight stays?  For one, we could all go on with our lives.  In all seriousness, here are my Magic selling points:

1.  You have a city that worships you and an ownership group that has, and will always, shell out whatever it takes to get you multiple rings.

2.  No state taxes, sunshine and a brand spankin' new arena.

3.  Don't give me this nonsense that your national endorsement appeal will increase if you head to L.A.  You already have multiple companies under your wings.  You are one of the most recognized athletes in the world.  Not bad, for being in podunk Orlando.

4.  The Magic are your team, Dwight.  If you go to L.A., you will be renting Kobe's team. 

5.  Don't be a follower, like LeBron and Carmelo.  Be a leader!  Blaze your own trail and stay with a club that is committed to getting you multiple rings.

...While I knocked Dwight for leaking the 'drunk dial' call, I have to side with him in this instance.  It appears to me he is using his lofty free agent status and power to position himself to win championships in the future.  He should.  Dwight is into his eighth pro season.  He's smack-dab in the prime of his career.  He's made all star teams...He's done commercials...He's been in movies...He's leapt tall buildings in a single bound. 

But, he has not won a title. 

In the end, that's how all the great ones are measured. 

Can the Magic convince Dwight that his best chance to be fitted for multiple rings is to stay right here in City Beautiful?

We're about to find out.