New Jersey? C'mon man! 

By Scott Anez

When Shaq departed City Beautiful in 1996, I was angry and upset.

Today, I am disappointed and dumfounded.

Disappointed because we likely won't get to watch Dwight Howard peak in his prime.

Dumfounded because, for the life of me, I cannot figure out why  Dwight Howard would leave this dried up pond to live in the Jersey swamplands?

This is like Angelina Jolie dumping Brad Pitt for Lyle Lovett!

Jersey?  Brooklyn?  Jay Z? 

I wouldn't like it, but I could almost understand Dwight wanting to go to a traditional team with pedigree like the Lakers, Celtics, Bulls, Knicks. 

The Nets?  The New Jersey soon-to-be Brooklyn Freakin' Nets?  This is one of the all-time losingest franchises in sports history.  I don't care what the new Russian owner does with his new playtoy--the Nets will always play second fiddle to the N.Y. Knicks.  That's the way it is.  That's the way it will always be.

If the rumors are true, Dwight will be a NJ Net by the end of the day.  So will Hedo Turkoglu. 

In return, the Magic will get center Brook Lopez and two first-round picks.

We will analyze this deal quite a bit in future Sez's--but, to me, I think you have to get more for Dwight.  And, ya know what, if you can't involve a third team and get more for the best center in the business, simply don't trade him!  Keep him here.  If the Nets want him badly enough, they'll up the ante as the first half of the season progresses.

Back to the question of he day....WHY?

Why would Dwight leave City Beautiful for Jersey?  I've been trying to wrack the few brain cells I have left to try to figure this out.

It would seem that D-12 is intrigued about the opportunity to play alongside Deron Williams in Jersey. 

OK...I can understand that.  But, again fellas, you are playing for the NJ NETS!

It would seem that Dwight has been sold a bill o' goods by Russian owner Mikhail Prokhorov.

Who would you rather have as your owner--A Russian mob boss or a Mr. Rich DeVos?

Somebody's feeding Dwight Howard a whole bunch o' bunk.

I am disappointed.  I am dumfounded.

And here I go--getting angry again.