BUCHER: I argued this earlier in the year and I believe it still holds true: If Howard is going to...

BUCHER: I argued this earlier in the year and I believe it still holds true: If Howard is going to leave Orlando, the New Jersey Nets are the best team for him to join because he can put an indelible stamp on that franchise simply by:

A. Choosing them over gaudier destinations and,

B. Winning a single championship.

(I'm only considering teams in which I know he's interested, thereby eliminating the Bulls and Celtics and Thunder. The choices are the Nets, Knicks, Mavericks and Lakers.) Going to the Mavericks now is a bit like LeBron going to the Miami Heat -- no matter what he does, he'll be viewed as a bandwagon jumper of sorts. Going to the Lakers means winning, minimum, three titles to stand among the franchise's previous great big men, the Shaquille O'Neals and Kareem Abdul-Jabbars, and I don't see Kobe Bryant lasting long enough to pull that off. And without Kobe, there is no championship-caliber closer in purple and gold. If Howard went to the Knicks, Amare Stoudemire or Carmelo Anthony would have to go to Orlando. Amare-Dwight is a bad fit, and while from a basketball standpoint Melo-DH could work, I don't see a leader. Dwight can have the limelight in New Jersey and be the court jester when it strikes him while Deron Williams sets the pace and provides the proper attitude.

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11 months ago Redfield 11 comments 0 recs |

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I know, Bucher is a tool, but he does have a knack for having seemingly accurate inside information and insight.

I don't get the whole 'pop-tart cats pooping rainbows thing,' but then, I'm old. So, there it is.

by Redfield on Jun 30, 2011 2:23 PM EDT reply actions

"provides the proper attitude"

What a clown. (I’m referring to Bucher here, obviously)

If he’s going anywhere, I think it’s Dallas. Don’t see NJ at all.

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by Evan Dunlap on Jun 30, 2011 2:37 PM EDT reply actions

agree with you

Big market, weather, no state tax, Dirk, Cuban. There is no way he goes to Jersey. He wants media attention, but not New York annoying media. Really doubting Dwight leaves. All honesty it is either Dallas or us, and you might as well just stay here. The Magic goal should be to clear space for 2013, when Josh Smith is available.

Roll Bass and War Ryno for me

by Mateo9399 on Jul 1, 2011 12:07 AM EDT up reply actions

I could see him going to Dallas as well...

but I think they’d have to clear a bit of cap space and get either CP3 or D-Will to follow. Dirk’s great but he’s getting up there in age and most of the Mavs’ key players are over 30 years old. Not a very long championship window if they’re unable to replace their older contributors with adequate younger replacements.

by GameManager on Jul 2, 2011 2:47 PM EDT up reply actions

Yes. And Kidd may very well retire if the next season folds due to the lockout.

I don't get the whole 'pop-tart cats pooping rainbows thing,' but then, I'm old. So, there it is.

by Redfield on Jul 2, 2011 11:02 PM EDT up reply actions

Yeah.

A canceled season could actually help the Mavs enter the the Dwight sweepstakes and if an amnesty is granted, they’ll probably use it on Brendan Haywood and then have even more space for CP3 or D-Will. With Chandler, Butler, Barea, and Stevenson becoming FA’s in what would’ve been this offseason, then the Mavs wouldn’t have had to worry about tanking this season since they would lose that cap space if they re-signed all of those players.

by GameManager on Jul 3, 2011 8:40 PM EDT up reply actions