I've noticed a number of Nets fans coming over to our fine blog. Some offer great contributions. Other act like... well, sort of like what we expect from New Jersey. Sorry, but it's true. Some of y'all want to make this an Orlando-sucks-New York-is-the-greatest-place-in-the-universe thing. Um, ok.

I'd like to try and offer a Magic fan's perspective. I don't represent them all, but I'll probably get a few to agree.

First, we love Dwight Howard. Great guy, excellent basketball player. He's given us a lot of himself while he's been here.

But we won't be bitter if he leaves. This isn't a New Jersey, New York, Brooklyn vs. Orlando thing for us. It's a guy who wants to check out his options, and personally, I say "God bless him." I hope he stays in Orlando, but he might really like New York.

Unlike other cities (Cleveland?) our identity isn't tied up with a sports figure. There is no inferiority complex here. I live five minutes from the beach (just north of Daytona Beach). Took my daughter to the beach yesterday. 80-something degrees today. Even in the summer when it's hot we hang at the beach. My Jeep's roof is off more than on.

So.... if Dwight wants to leave, hey, that's on him. But because we're pretty happy here, we can be happy for him in New York, Dallas or LA.... or Oakland or... (wherever). Unlike Cleveland we're not going to burn jerseys in the street and make death threats.

In fact, so many New York and New Jersey residents relocate here, we might be helping your high tax economy to send someone up north. :) (said with love!)

So let's keep this on the basketball level. He's a kid who probably doesn't know how best to make the move (if that's what he really wants). But the New York cockiness doesn't work for us. We just picture the cast of Jersey Shore talking smack and sort of roll our collective eyes. :D

And on the basketball level: please, PLEASE, don't send Brook Lopez to us. Please take Dwight as a free agent. Please.