The 'Dwightmare' Fallout

Hello all! I've missed you dearly. It took the conclusion of 'The Dwightmare' to bring me out of my blogging coma, and I solemnly swear to you that I am back and fully rejuvenated. Oh and yes, you read that correctly it is ALL OVER (pending league approval). This may come as a shot below the belt to most of Celtics Nation, but Dwight Howard is headed to Hollywood. Four teams, the Los Angeles Lakers, Orlando Magic, Denver Nuggets and Philadelphia 76ers have agreed in principle to a trade that will look as follows:

Lakers receive: Dwight Howard, Chris Duhon and Earl Clark

76ers receive: C Andrew Bynum, Jason Richardson
Nuggets receive: G/F Andre Iguodala
Magic receive: PF Al Harrington, SG Aaron Afflalo, SG Mo Harkless, PF/C Nikola Vucevic and three protected first round draft picks

Winners: Lakers, Nuggets and Sixers

Lakers - The Lakers get the NBA's best center in Dwight Howard who hasn't even entered the prime of his career yet to add another link to the chain of franchise changing big men the organization has garnered over the years. Starting in the early years with George Mikan, moving on to Wilt Chamberlain, then Kareem Abdul Jabbar followed later by Shaquille O'Neal and now Mr. Howard. 

Dwight will bring his expert defensive prowess (three time defensive player of the year), along with a bevy of jaw dropping dunks and still improving post moves to the Lakers front court. He'll be paired with finesse Spaniard and fellow seven footer Pau Gasol down low which will form one of the best big man duos in the league for years to come. 

Not to mention that two-time MVP and multiple time all-star point guard Steve Nash has been added to this team as well. The Lakers have put together one of the most impressive off seasons in recent memory and granted he re-signs with them after this season, will surely be one of the top three teams in the NBA for the next few years. They also still have that Kobe Bryant guy.

Lakers Projected Starting Lineup:

PG: Steve Nash
SG: Kobe Bryant
SF: Metta World Peace
PF: Pau Gasol
C: Dwight Howard

Nuggets - The Nuggets acquire well rounded all-star swingman Andre Iguodala in the deal. He replaces Aaron Afflalo and will bring elite defensive and athletic ability, unique slashing and scoring and unselfish leadership that the youthful but promising Nuggets need. Adding Iggy will give them a very well balanced and extremely athletic team that can score and defend anywhere on the floor. It's a tough crowd out west but this trade improves them greatly and in my opinion makes them one of the top five teams in the Western Conference.

Nuggets Projected  Starting Lineup:

PG: Ty Lawson
SG: Andre Iguodala
SF: Wilson Chandler
PF: Kenneth Faried
C: JaVale McGee

Sixers - They add talented center Andrew Bynum to their front court who is a huge replacement over Spencer Hawes at the position. They also receive veteran sharp shooter Jason Richardson in the deal who will provide veteran leadership and scoring depth at the guard position. Bynum is regarded by most as the second best center in the NBA, so this is no small acquisition for the franchise, as he will be something they can build around for years to come. He'll provide a desperately needed scoring threat in the post, along with superb defense and rebounding. The Sixers already were one of the best up and coming young teams in the league and this trade further cements that fact.

Sixers Projected Starting Lineup:

PG: Jrue Holiday
SG: Evan Turner/Nick Young/Jason Richardson
SF: Thaddeus Young
PF: Elton Brand
C: Andrew Bynum

Losers: Orlando Magic

In July, the Orlando Magic rejected the Brooklyn Nets more than generous offer of top five center Brook Lopez, power forward and reality television maven Kris Humphries (who has an attractive expiring $9.6 mil contract), second year scoring threat Marshon Brooks and four unprotected first round picks for Dwight Howard, Jason Richardson, Chris Duhon and Earl Clark. More than enough compensation to build a solid future around, no? This would have given the Magic a very promising foundation to build upon for the next five-ten years. Needless to say, they rejected the offer.

Fast forward to last night, in which the hapless Magic agreed, for reasons unknown (maybe they hate their franchise and fans), to a deal that nets them aging and declining, shoot-first, undersized veteran power forward Al Harrington, sixth man Aaron Afflalo, rookie Mo Harkless, second year big man Nikola Vucevic and THREE PROTECTED first round picks. For those of you who don't know much about the NBA, the first package offered by the Nets was 244x better than the package they agreed to last night. The agreed upon deal leaves Orlando with a mash-up of cast off players, a couple young players with potential and three first rounders that have security clauses attached to them.

Magic Projected Starting Lineup:

PG: Jameer Nelson
SG: JJ Redick
SF: Hedo Turkoglu
PF: Andrew Nicholson
C: Glen Davis

The professional basketball future in Disney World looks grim. If I'm a Magic fan I would be looking to take my allegiance elsewhere because they are just a horribly run franchise. The Dwight Howard situation has been one of the most poorly handled disputes in NBA history by both parties involved and I for one, and I think I speak for many when I say this, am genuinely glad its over.

I'm back in the saddle again folks.

Stay classy.

-ZHawk