by Marcel Mutoni / @marcel_mutoni
Each game the Orlando Magic play offers fans and media with a fresh opportunity to hold a referendum on Dwight Howard’s future. When the opponent is the New York Knicks (and the NY media), things get that much more intense (and nauseating.)
Last night, Dwight was asked repeatedly about what he’ll do once he hits the free agent market in the summer of 2012. Basically, the New York press wanted to know if he had his eye on Manhattan or Brooklyn.
For what it’s worth, Dwight says Orlando remains his top choice. From the Sentinel:
“Orlando’s the most attractive place for me right now,” Howard answered, a smile on his face. “They have a sexy new arena, a beautiful franchise, nice banners around here and been in the top four in the Eastern Conference for the past four years. Yes, Orlando’s the most attractive place right now.”
Howard added that he doesn’t necessarily believe he needs to team up with other superstars to make a run at the championship, the way Amar’e, Carmelo, Wade and LeBron have. For Howard, it’s more important to build a solid team around one established franchise star.
While this may be encouraging news for the Orlando Magic and its fanbase, the reality remains that Dwight isn’t quite convinced that this team can win a title. Until they can prove otherwise, there will always be reason to worry about him eventually leaving.
